You'll explore the African American experience from the end of the Civil War to the present. Key topics include Reconstruction, Jim Crow laws, the Great Migration, the Civil Rights Movement, and modern racial issues. You'll analyze how African Americans have shaped and been impacted by U.S. politics, culture, and society over the past 150+ years.
Most students find this course moderately challenging but super interesting. The workload isn't usually too heavy, but you'll need to keep up with readings and be ready to engage in discussions. The trickiest part can be connecting historical events to broader themes and understanding their long-term impacts. But if you're into history or social issues, you'll probably dig it.
U.S. History to 1865: Covers American history from colonial times to the Civil War. You'll learn about the roots of slavery and early African American experiences.
Introduction to African American Studies: Provides an overview of African American culture, history, and contemporary issues. This course sets the foundation for more specialized classes like African American History Since 1865.
Civil Rights Movement: Focuses on the struggle for racial equality from the 1950s to 1970s. You'll dive deep into key figures, events, and strategies of this pivotal period.
African American Literature: Explores the rich literary traditions of African American writers. You'll read works from the Harlem Renaissance through contemporary authors.
Race and Ethnicity in America: Examines the social construction of race and its impact on various ethnic groups in the U.S. You'll analyze how race intersects with other aspects of identity and society.
Black Politics in America: Investigates African American political thought and participation from Reconstruction to today. You'll study black political leaders, movements, and voting patterns.
African American Studies: Focuses on the experiences, culture, and contributions of people of African descent in the United States and globally. Students gain a deep understanding of African American history, literature, politics, and social issues.
History: Involves studying and interpreting past events, cultures, and societies. Students develop critical thinking skills and learn to analyze primary sources while gaining a broad understanding of human experiences over time.
Sociology: Examines human society, social behavior, and group interactions. Students learn about social structures, institutions, and how factors like race, class, and gender shape individual and group experiences.
Political Science: Focuses on the study of government systems, political behavior, and public policy. Students analyze political theories, institutions, and processes, often examining how race and ethnicity influence political dynamics.
Teacher or Professor: Educate students about African American history and culture at various levels. You could work in high schools, community colleges, or universities, depending on your degree level.
Museum Curator: Develop exhibits and educational programs related to African American history and culture. You'd be responsible for researching, acquiring, and preserving historical artifacts and documents.
Civil Rights Advocate: Work for organizations that promote racial equality and social justice. You might be involved in policy research, community organizing, or legal advocacy.
Diversity and Inclusion Specialist: Help organizations create more inclusive environments and policies. You'd use your knowledge of historical and contemporary racial issues to guide diversity initiatives in various settings.
How much writing is involved in this course? Typically, you'll have a mix of shorter response papers and one or two longer research papers. The amount can vary, but expect to do some analytical writing throughout the semester.
Are there field trips or guest speakers in this class? Many professors try to incorporate visits to local historical sites or bring in guest lecturers. It depends on your specific course and location, but these can be great ways to bring the material to life.
How does this course relate to current events? You'll often find connections between historical topics and contemporary issues. Many professors encourage students to draw these parallels and discuss how past events have shaped our present society.