Currently Offered Courses - Spring 2021

Interdisciplinary introduction to the basic concepts and literature in the disciplines covered by African American studies; surveys the major approaches to the study of African Americans across several academic disciplines including economics, education, psychology, literature, political science, sociology and others.

Sociohistorical survey of African American experiences from the West African background to North America, from the 17th century to the present. Same as HIST 174.

Explores the historical, social, economic, cultural and political realities of black women in the African diaspora with an emphasis on the U.S., Canada, Britain, Africa and the English speaking Caribbean. How macro structures such as slavery, imperialism, colonialism, capitalism, and globalization shaped and continue to circumscribe the lives of black women across various geographic regions. Discussion of the multiple strategies/efforts that black women employ both in the past and present to ensure the survival of the self and the community. Same as AFST 103 and GWS 103.

Survey of the literary work of Black Americans from 1746 to the present. Exploration of the social, cultural, and political contexts that have shaped the Black American literary tradition by analyzing not only poetry, drama, autobiographical narratives, short stories, and novels, but also folktales, spirituals, and contemporary music. Same as ENGL 150.

Same as ANTH 106. See ANTH 106.

Survey of African American music, from its origins to the present with a focus on understanding details of musical performance and the ways in which music interacts with its social and political context. Examines genres such as spirituals, the blues, jazz, R&B, soul, and hip-hop. No previous musical background is necessary.

Same as AAS 201, LLS 201, and PS 201. See PS 201.

Same as AAS 215, AIS 295, GWS 215, and LLS 215. See AAS 215.

Introduction to various methodologies to be employed in the interdisciplinary field of African American/Africana studies. Prerequisite: AFRO 100.

Same as HIST 219 and LA 221. See LA 221.

Presents the Afro-centric world view as it was manifested in traditional African society and in the Afro-American slave community. Shows that this world view merged with European notions of art and humanity, as revealed in modern Afro-American literature, art, and music. Same as CWL 226. Approved for both letter and S/U grading. Prerequisite: AFRO 100 or consent of instructor.

Sociological perspective of the experience of African American women in the contemporary United States. Specifically, an examination of relationships between the economy, state policy, culture, work and motherhood for this demographic group. Same as GWS 226 and SOC 223.

A study of hip-hop from its beginnings in the post-industrial South Bronx of the 1970s to the global present. By focusing on the work of specific artists and movements, we will compare and contrast the production and consumption of hip-hop with other forms of popular music (including jazz, rock, disco, and pop). This course shows how musicians and listeners use hip-hop to express ideas about topics such as economics, nationalism, black power, feminism, and violence.

Provides an introduction to Pan African political movements and ideologies from the Americas to continental Africa. Examines the political, social, economic, and ideological relationships and connections between Africans and their descendants in the diaspora from an historical and comparative perspective. Same as AFST 243 and PS 243.

An introduction for understanding health-related issues and disparities affecting the African American community. We will explore health status across the lifespan, social and environmental challenges, chronic diseases, lifestyle behaviors, and intervention, research and policy implications. Students will learn how to integrate and situate these complexities in a broader systemic framework and understand how this population exhibits resiliency in the face of these adversities.

Same as CWL 259 and ENGL 259. See ENGL 259.

Same as CWL 260 and ENGL 260. See ENGL 260.

Introduction to the origin, development, and maturation of the African diaspora in the Americas and the Caribbean, beginning with the transatlantic slave trade and up to the end of the 20th century. Same as ANTH 261.

Same as HIST 276. See HIST 276.

Same as AAS 281, HIST 281, and LLS 281. See HIST 281.

Same as GWS 287 and HIST 287. See HIST 287.

Same as AAS 310, EPOL 310, EPS 310, and LLS 310. See EPS 310.

Same as AAS 343, AIS 343, GWS 343, and LLS 343. See LLS 343.

Advanced seminar on selected topics with particular emphasis on current research trends. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite: Junior status and one of the following: AFRO 224, or HIST 275 or HIST 276, or ENGL 259 or ENGL 260.

Same as EPOL 410, EPS 421, and HDFS 424. See EPS 421.

Same as JOUR 482. See JOUR 482.

3 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. Prerequisite: AFRO 100 and AFRO 220 or AFRO 490.

Seminar on selected topics with particular emphasis on current research trends. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated up to a maximum of 6 undergraduate hours or 8 graduate hours. Prerequisite: Upper level AFRO course (300 or above) or consent of instructor.

Primarily but not exclusively for students who are completing a minor or concentration in African American Studies. Approved for both letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in the same or separate terms to a maximum of 12 hours. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Focused reading and study of special problems in African American Studies. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, AFRO 500 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.

Graduate seminar on special topics based on current research trends. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, AFRO 500 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.