Introduction to the Study of Africans in America

**Obadele Kambon** · 10-14-2007, 09:14 AM

Introduction to the Study of Africans in America

Course: Introduction to the Study of Africans in America
Meeting day and time: TBA
Class duration: TBA

Description:
This course provides a broad overview of the social-historical experience of Africans in the United States. Students will explore the historical journey of African people from remote antiquity up to the present day. Additionally, students will examine the contemporary challenges and struggles of African people in the United States. Specific emphasis will be placed on culture and socialization, social institutions, power and agency, paradigms of transformation, and prospects for the future.

Students in Introduction to the Study of Africans in America should expect a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of Africans in America as well as other global African communities (Caribbean, South America, the African continent, kwk.). Students will discuss the perspectives of African theorists and scholars. Additionally, student assignments and projects will focus on maximizing their understanding of the social dynamics of the African community and the utility of critical thinking and action to this process.

Objectives:
At the end of this course students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a multifaceted understanding of the African experience in America.
2. Explain the role of culture, socialization, and education in shaping human consciousness and informing social engagement.
3. Understand the ways in which inequality and stratification impacts the life chances of African people.
4. Explicate the benefits of having a historical perspective regarding the study of the global African community.
5. Elucidate the inter-connections between the political and economic spheres and their relevancy to daily life.
6. Develop and expand critical perspectives on the pathways towards African liberation.

Requirements and guidelines:

1. Attendance and participation in all classes.
2. Completion of readings according to schedule.
3. Submission of assignments, quizzes, and other assessments by deadlines.
4. Although letter grades will not be issues, students will evaluated based on their demonstrable mastery of key concepts. Evaluation will be based upon the completion of two quizzes and two short essays.

Texts:
1. Karenga, Maulana. Introduction of Black Studies (IBS). 3rd ed. Los Angeles: University of Sankore Press, 2001.
2. Hotep, Uhuru. "Decolonizing the African Mind: Further Analysis and Strategy."
3. Hilliard, Asa G. "The State of African Education." Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association, New Orleans, LA, April 2000.
4. Afrika, Mukasa. "Miamba Tano of Afrikan Spirituality".
5. Hotep, Uhuru. "Dwt: A Tool for Breaking the Chains of Psychological Slavery."
6. Other Readings as assigned.

Topics and Reading Schedule for Class Discussions:

Week 1
Key concepts in African history
IBS ch. 3

Week 2
A historical sketch of the African experience in the U.S.
IBS ch. 4

Week 3
Racism and white supremacy
IBS ch. 6 & 10

Week 4
Perspectives on culture and social change
IBS ch. 6 and Decolonizing the African Mind

Week 5
Family, religion, and spirituality in the African community
IBS ch. 5 & 6 and Miambo Tano of African Spirituality

Week 6
Education for Liberation or Mis-Education for subordination
IBS ch. 5 & State of African Education

Week 7
The U.S. economy and the health of Africans in America
IBS ch. 8

Week 8
Politics, power, suppression, and the prospects for African liberation
IBS ch. 4 & 7 and Dwt: A Tool for Breaking the Chains of Psychological Slavery