Specialized course focusing on specific genres, time periods or themes in African American literature. Topics may include twentieth century African American women's novels, male identity in African American literature or African American autobiography. May be repeated once for credit with a different focus. This course uses Jazz as a means to better understand the history and culture of the United States by examining the influences, styles and major performers and composers from Armstrong and Ellington to Coltrane and Marsalis. A study and exploration of the lives and music of black performers, composers, teachers, and orcestra leaders in the United States.
Special emphasis is devoted to black music's social impact on American society and popular culture.
Comparative study of racial, ethnic and religious relations. Focus is on patterns of exclusion and inclusion of minority groups by majority groups.