Curriculum

10100: African Heritage and the Afro-American Experience

Introduction to Black “Roots” from ancient Africa to contemporary America as an orientation to the nature of Black Studies emphasizing its relationships to world history, Europe, Asia, the Americas, slavery, Reconstruction, colonization, racism, and their politico-economic and cultural impact upon African descendants worldwide. 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR. 

10200: African Heritage and the Caribbean-Brazilian Experience

Analysis of historical conditions which shaped the lives of African peoples in the Caribbean and Brazil emphasizing cultural continuities, human organization and similarities in global Black experience among Africans on the continent and in the Western hemisphere, vis-a-vis European politico-economic control and cultural impact. 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.

14900: Religion and Survival

An historical analysis of the role of religion and the church in sustaining the survival of Black people within white America. (W) 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.

15500: Black Studies and Black Psychology

Derives its unique status from African philosophy which formulates the values, customs, attitudes, and behavior of Africans in Africa and the African Diaspora. Examines, conceptualizes and interprets from an Afrocentric perspective, centered in the history and development of Africa. (W) 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.

17100: Roots: Seminar on the Black Wolrd Experience  

The study of a people involuntarily and forcibly transported from Africa to the Americas. The organizing concepts include African world history, culture and religion, family and genealogy, capitalism and slavery, humanism and communalism, socialization and values, cosmology and philosophical thought. (W) 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.

12300: African Politics

The emergence of the modern state structures from colonial Africa. A comparative analysis of colonialism, nationalism and political development of selected African countries. (W) 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.

21100: Afro-American Studies 

21200: Caribbean Studies 

21300: Brazilian and Afro-Latin American Area Studies 

Engl. 31313: African-American Literature 1930-1960

Engl. 31891: Harlem Renaissance

Engl. 37005 African Literature

13400: The Harlem Community 

The origins and ethnic development of the Harlem community: demographic trends, institutions, culture, resources, and the role of Harlem as a training ground for Black leadership. Field learning experiences include visits to historic sites and community landmarks. 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.

14700: The Civil Rights Movement

It is a historical examination of this legendary community via lecture, film and tours. The students tend to get much more enjoyment from the tours when the various locations are placed in a social, political and economic perspective. Invariably during the tours we encounter Harlemites who are willing to devote some time with the students and share their personal reflections. Students must submit weekly assignments based on the texts and a final research paper and oral presentation.  3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.

15700: Racism an the American Legal System

Contemporary legal institutions, their intrinsic race and class biases, the peculiar development and entanglement of the institution of slavery and American jurisprudence, and the effect of the racist application of the American legal system on every facet of the Black experience. (W) 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR

19000: Malcolm X: His Life, Leadership, and Legacy 

Charismatic, mesmerizing, energetic life. Rise from criminal to international fame. Leadership greatly influenced poor African-American masses, stunned Black conservatives and shocked white America. Black Muslims controversy vis-a-vis civil rights forced him to fight independently. Left legacy of beloved martyr slain in Black struggle.(W) 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.

31111: Social Inequality: Hip Hop 

31103: Race and Racism 

An examination of the idea of race from biological, sociocultural, and historical standpoints, particularly as it arose in support of the development of western European colonialism and imperialism. Also investigated will be the role of race/racism via-a-vis socioeconomic inequality, gender, class, ethnicity, and sexuality. (W) 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.

33000: Afro-American Heritage: 1619 to 1865

A survey of the sociocultural experiences of African peoples in the North American diaspora defining the historical, economic and political origins of the contemporary position of the Afro-American. 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.

33100: Afro-American  Heritage; 1685- Present 

A survey of the Black experience in America, this course will focus upon the major issues, trends, personalities, and literature of the period, the contradictions of Emancipation, and will examine Reconstruction, migration, and exodus, Black Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, Black power and nationalism. 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.

33125: Women of the African Diaspora 

31000: Independent Reading in Black Studies  

Approval of Program Director is mandatory. Program thoroughly planned and structured. The student will be required to produce evidence of the readings available and relevant to his/her interests. The readings must be compiled into a comprehensive report. Limited to upper-class students with an adequate background in Black Studies. (W) 1-4 CR.