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.
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 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.
Explores topics in black television in order to a) analyze the economic and political factors that lead to successful series; b) historicize black television of the Diaspora, including the U.S., Caribbean, UK, Canada, and Nigeria; c) identify conventions and define a "black aesthetic;" d) determine how black series in one genre (such as sitcoms or dramas) aid in mapping other genres; and e) discuss how these series navigate stereotypes and cultural shifts. Same as MACS 227.
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.
Same as CWL 259 and ENGL 259. See ENGL 259.
Same as AAS 281, HIST 281, and LLS 281. See HIST 281.
Same as AAS 310, EPOL 310, and LLS 310. See EPOL 310.
Examination of the history of twentieth century black women's activism, specifically concerned with how African American female activists have been critical to building, sustaining and leading black freedom movements. Same as GWS 383 and HIST 383. Prerequisite: AFRO 100 or AFRO 101 or AFRO 103 or consent of instructor.
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.
Critical examination of the contributions of intellectuals of African descent in the Caribbean and its global circuits. Major streams of social/political thought, cultural analysis, and artistic expression from across the region and its diasporas are analyzed within post- and de-colonial theoretical frameworks. Dialogues with Caribbeanists and thinkers from other parts of the world will also be considered. Same as CWL 400. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: AFRO 261 or consent of instructor.
Examination of slavery in the U.S. using primary sources (slave narratives, songs and tales, plantation records, laws and newspapers) from the 18th century through emancipation. Same as HIST 482. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: AFRO 100 or AFRO 101 and one 300-level AFRO course.
An interdisciplinary exploration of the Black Liberation Movement (BLM) from the years 1955 to present, with emphasis on the last high tide of Black struggle in the turbulent 1960s. The course examines the different waves of the BLM and the strategies used by the BLM, namely “freedom, justice, equality” or integration, “self-determination” or Black nationalism, and “social transformation” or socialism. Same as HIST 478. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: AFRO 101, HIST 276, or consent of instructor. Junior, Senior, or Graduate standing.
Introduction to various theories and methodologies rising out of the study of the Black world based on African American intellectual traditions. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: AFRO 100 and one additional 400-level AFRO course, or consent of instructor.
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.
Introduction for grad students to the central concepts, theories, methodologies, and paradigms in Black Studies. Students will also be introduced to the key critical scholars, seminal works and emerging trends in Black Studies. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.