0829. The History & Significance of Race in America (3 s.h.) RCI: GD.

Why were relations between Native Americans and whites violent almost from the beginning of European settlement? How could slavery thrive in a society founded on the principle that “all men are created equal”? How comparable were the experiences of Irish, Jewish, and Italian immigrants, and why did people in the early 20th century think of them as separate “races”? What were the causes and consequences of Japanese Americans’ internment in military camps during World War II? Are today’s Mexican immigrants unique, or do they have something in common with earlier immigrants? Using a variety of written sources and outstanding documentaries, this course examines the racial diversity of America and its enduring consequences.

Students cannot receive credit for this course if they have successfully completed any of the following: ANTHRO 0829, GUS 0829, History 0829, POL SCI 0829, or SOC 0829/0929.

0834. Representing Race (3 s.h.) RCI: GD.

From classical Greeks and Romans, who saw themselves under siege by the “barbarian hoards,” to contemporary America and its war on “Islamic extremism,” from “The Birth of a Nation” to “Alien Nation”, Western societies have repeatedly represented some group of people as threats to civilization. This course will examine a wide range of representations of non-Western people and cultures in film, literature, scientific and legal writings, popular culture and artistic expression. What is behind this impulse to divide the world into “us” and “them”? How is it bound up with our understanding of race and racial difference? And what happens when the “barbarian hoards” talk back?

1124. Elementary Yoruba (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: AF-AM S 0024.)

An introductory course in the understanding, reading, and speaking of Yoruba, an African language that has had a major impact on the African cultures of Brazil, Haiti, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and the United States. Students will be taught grammar, vocabulary, and conversation in the language.

1125. Elementary Hausa (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: AF-AM S 0025.)

An introductory course in the understanding, reading and speaking of Hausa, a language spoken by more than 70 million people in West Africa. Students will be taught grammar, vocabulary, and conversation in the language.

1152. Introduction to African Aesthetics (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: AF-AM S 0052.)

An overview of the cultural experience of African peoples. An examination of the culture of peoples in Africa, America, and the Caribbean in a comprehensive and structurally integrated manner. An introduction to Black aesthetics and the interrelationship of the humanities in African American Studies. Designed to acquaint students with important historical and philosophical investigations of the creative process and to explore interrelationships, similarities, and differences in the various cultural expressions of African peoples.

1158. African American Music I (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: AF-AM S 0058.)

History and sociology of Black music, with main emphasis on important and dynamic forms, styles and concepts that have formed the core of Afro-American music culture.

1165. History of Caribbean (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: AF-AM S 0065.)

A historical survey of the cultural, economic and political developments of the Caribbean people from the slavery and colonial periods, to post-independence period with particular emphasis on Haiti, Guyana, Trinidad-Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados. Linkages with the rest of the Black World will also be discussed.

1244. The Black Church (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: AF-AM S 0044.)

An examination of the significant role the Black church has played in creating an African-American response to social, political, and economic obstacles and barriers in America. Introduction to Richard Allen, Henry McNeal Turner, Martin Luther King, Jr., and other church leaders. Students learn to appreciate how the church builds the community, maintains culture, and produces leaders.

1252. Afrocentricity (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: AF-AM S 0050.)

An introduction to the theories and methods of Afrocentricity. Discussion of cultural, scientific, historical, and psychological consciousness. Critique of African world-voice by examining Pan Africanism, Negritude, and African Nationalism.

1253. Blacks in World History (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: AF-AM S 0053.)

Prerequisite for all history courses to be applied to the major. An introduction to the entire field of Black history, both in Africa and the New World. A basic course, comprehensive in scope, to provide a firm grounding for students interested in taking subsequent history courses.

1261. Africa in the 20th Century (3 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: IS.

(Formerly: AF-AM S C061.)

A summary of the major political, economic, social, and cultural developments in Africa since 1900. The impact of indigenous and foreign philosophies on industrialization, urbanization, and peasantization during the 20th century.

Note: This course can be used to satisfy the university Core International Studies (IS) requirement. Although it may be usable towards graduation as a major requirement or university elective, it cannot be used to satisfy any of the university GenEd requirements. See your advisor for further information. In addition to meeting the university Core International Studies requirement, this course meets the Non-Western/Third World IS requirement for Communication Sciences majors. Please note the recent update to the Core IS requirement at www.temple.edu/vpus/documents/Core_IS_UpdateFinal.pdf.

1268. African American History Since 1900 (3 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: AC.

(Formerly: AF-AM S C068.)

2100. Special Topics (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: AF-AM S 0378.)

Prerequisite: African American Studies 1296 (W051) and 1152 (0052).

Introduction to basic research methods and methodological issues in African American Studies. Course covers methods of social research, research conceptualization and design using various methods, instrument development, data collection, and introduces basic data analysis concepts and operations.

Note: Offered during Fall semester only. Students should complete AF-AM S 4096 in the Spring immediately after this course.

2405. Introduction to Afro-Jewish Studies (3 s.h.)

Cross Listed with Jewish Studies 2405, Religion 2405.

This course will introduce students to the study of African and African-Diaspora Jews. Students will examine and critically assess the various past and present methods used to study Africana Jewish communities. The research and readings will provide students with a basic introduction to Afro-Jewish history, culture and religion. It will also analyze the effects of race and racism on the construction of Afro-Jewish identities.

2934. Honors Literature of American Slavery (3 s.h.) RCI: RS.

(Formerly: AF-AM S H198.)

Slaves, slave owners, and abolitionists, men and women, perceived slavery in distinctive ways and recorded those perceptions in songs and poems, folk tales, autobiographical narratives and novels, speeches and tracts, travel accounts, journals, diaries, and letters. Through an examination of this rich oral and written literature, such themes as the character of slave culture, the relations between slaves and masters, the oppression of women under slavery, and the connection between abolitionism and feminism are explored. Lectures provide historical background and a context in which to read the selections.

Note: This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Studies in Race (RS) requirement. Although it may be usable towards graduation as a major requirement or university elective, it cannot be used to satisfy any of the university GenEd requirements. See your advisor for further information.

3176. Contemporary Black Poets (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: AF-AM S 0276.)

An examination of the major works of contemporary poets of African descent. Students are introduced to the writings of poets such as Sonia Sanchez, Amiri Baraka, Atukwei Okai, and Haki Madhubuti, Gwendolyn Brooks, Mari Evans.

3205. The Black Woman (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: AF-AM S 0205.)

This course will review and analyze experience and representation of African American women from a variety of feminist, psychological, and African-centered perspectives. Students will apply theoretical and research findings from selected scholarly and anecdotal sources to understanding the unique challenges of African-American women’s treatment and methods of coping, resistance, and survival in legal, educational and social systems steeped in racism, sexism, homophobia and patriarchy. Class assignments (e.g., reaction, papers, group project.) will help students develop the skills necessary to communicate effectively and professionally, in both oral and written form, about these important issues.

3215. Languages and Cultures of West Africa (3 s.h.)

Prerequisite: AF-AM S 2201 (0100): African Civilization, prior familiarity with African societies, and/or permission of the instructor.

This course is an introduction to the indigenous languages and cultures of West African peoples. Aspects of their geographical locations, history, social organization, worldview, values, customs, oral traditions, and communities will be discussed. A review of the impact of major historical events on these languages, and on their speakers’ life styles, identity, and customs will be undertaken. The role of these languages in the development of African and African-Caribbean languages and cultures will also be examined. In the latter part of the course, students will be introduced to the basic structure of these languages, and will be taught how to read, write, and speak some phrases in each language. The course will focus on location, worldview, history and culture as contexts for the three major languages chosen from Akan, Bamanankan (Bambara/Mande/Mandinka/Mandingo), Ewe, Fulfude (Fulani), Ga, Hausa, Wolof, and Yoruba. This is not a languages course per se, but a course about the relationship between culture, customs, and language.

3257. Black Social and Political Thought (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: AF-AM S 0257.)

The thoughts and philosophies of Black leaders as they relate to the struggle of Black people for liberation from Booker T. Washington to Karenga, Nkrumah to Mugabe.

3268. Critical Readings in African American History (3 s.h.)

Using primary source material and with special attention to the United States, students will examine the African experience in the Americas from the 14th century to the present. Movements, periods, events and people that represent major social, economic and political African American thought will be surveyed.

3271. History of Pan African Thought (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: AF-AM S 0270.)

A study of the works and thoughts of Sylvester Williams, W.E.B. DuBois, Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, M.K.O. Adiola, and others. Analysis of the Pan African Congresses from 1919 to 1987.

3296. The Black Family (3 s.h.) S. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: AF-AM S W286.)

This course examines historical and contemporary issues relevant to the functioning of African American families. Students write critiques of selected text chapters and work in small groups to interview local community members; use interview and other research sources to develop and implement a community action plan (CAP) for improving some aspect of family life.

4082. Independent Study (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: AF-AM S 0395.)

Field research in a Pan African Studies issue. Each student identifies a task in a problem area and develops a research project around it. Student must first find a faculty member to supervise the project and must submit written details about the project to the department chair for approval in advance of registration for the course.

4091. Junior/Senior Directed Research (1 to 3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: AF-AM S 0397.)

Prerequisite: Open only to majors who have completed the first semester of their junior year.

In-depth study of a specific topic central to the discipline of African American Studies for two consecutive semesters. Culminates in a concise, well-documented senior essay paper.

4096. Senior Seminar (3 s.h.) S. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: AF-AM S W398.)

Prerequisite: AF-AM S 2255 (0155): Introduction to Research Methods.

A senior level course designed to provide majors with a culminating experience in which they must demonstrate mastery of the heories, concepts, and issues central to the field of African American studies. Course stresses the demonstration of knowledge through students’ participation in a variety of practical/experiential assignments. In addition, students must work in small groups to complete, write up and publicly present the social research project designed in AF-AM S 2255: Intro to Research Methods, and must submit a portfolio demonstrating skills and containing assignments relevant to demands young professionals commonly encounter in post-baccalaureate life.

Note: Capstone course for majors. Offered in Spring only.

4146. Women Writers in Black Literature (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: AF-AM S 0346.)

A comparative exploration of the nature, form, themes, and techniques of major Black women writers from Africa, the U.S., and the Caribbean.

4161. Studies in African-American Literature (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: AF-AM S 0361.)

This course is an examination of African American literary forms with certain emphasis on poetry, drama, fiction, and autobiography. Texts from earlier decades and contemporary movements are included. The aim is to develop an understanding and appreciation of African American literary experience. Phillis Wheatley, Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, Amiri Baraka, Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni are among writers whose works are studied.

4221. The Black Child: Development and Socialization (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: AF-AM S 0321.)

A study of the development and socialization of the African American child. Discussion of family, peer group relationships, formal and informal education, and early racial consciousness.

4248. Dimensions of Racism (3 s.h.) F. RCI: RS.

(Formerly: AF-AM S R348.)

The course will explore interracial interactions from an Afrocentric conceptual framework. It will examine various theoretical approaches to racial prejudice and will analyze the prejudiced personality. The course will examine the historical growth of racism and racist thought as well as seek common explanations for and effects of racism on African Americans.

Note: This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Studies in Race (RS) requirement. Although it may be usable towards graduation as a major requirement or university elective, it cannot be used to satisfy any of the university GenEd requirements. See your advisor for further information.

4389. Seminar in Community Service (3 s.h.)

Prerequisite: AF-AM S 2248 & 2255.

Seminar in Community Service allows African American Studies majors to acquire hands-on experience in, and provide unpaid on-site services to, a community-based agency, organization, or program selected and pre-screened by the instructor. These agencies must provide a significant social service to the larger community. Students will spend Phase I of the course in class reading and discussing empirical and theory-based literature relevant to the services provided by the instructor-selected agency or site. Students will spend Phase II in service to the agency, and will return to the classroom in Phase III to deliver the final report--an empirically-based research report analyzing agency goals and processes, and where appropriate, making evidence-based suggestions for improving agency policy as it affects successful delivery of services.