HIST 135 — African American Studies
The African American Studies course is designed to introduce students to cultural, geographical, historical, environmental, and political issues of the African American experience. Through the interdisciplinary exploration of social conditions, political engagement, intellectual production, and cultural contributions of African Americans, students will gain a greater understanding and appreciation of complex African American experiences and diversity. Using a variety of sources, students will study topics including, but not limited to, African civilizations, slavery and diaspora, the Black experience in the Americas, Civil War and emancipation, Reconstruction, migration, the Civil Rights movement, Black psychology, Black identity and gender, Black literary expression, and contemporary issues facing the Black community, as well as African American influence on U.S. and world culture. Students will also analyze concepts such as race and racism, white supremacy, colonialism, and eurocentrism, as well as the anti-racist and anti-colonial practices and movements within the African American community that have helped create a more just and equitable society for all.