“Black” history is American history. In Advanced African American Studies, we will examine the history of race relations in the United States. The ideas of race, ethnicity, and culture are complex, ambiguous, and ever-changing. We will explore how the Americas have historically defined and redefined “race”, focusing on how evolving ideas have effectively shaped American laws, institutions, belief systems, and defined the experiences of African Americans and other ethnic groups. The course will take an interdisciplinary, thematic approach and topics will include class, color, civil disobedience, legislation, the dynamics of reform, and contemporary black nationalism.

This class is a yearlong honors-level history course, open to juniors and seniors, which provides an introduction to African American history. 

Departmental approval is required for this course.