Introductory Courses 100. Introduction to Afro-American Studies. This course introduces and provides a general overview of the area of Afroamerican Studies. It employs a multi-disciplinary perspective which combines elements from conventional historical, political, sociocultural and behavioral orientations in the analysis of Afroamerican culture and institutions. The course format is a lecture-discussion with four weekly lectures.
Students meet with T.A.s once weekly to discuss course readings and lectures.
The course will be supplemented by guest lecturers, selected CAAS colloquia, films, special projects and field trips. Popular Culture in Contemporary Black America. Through an examination of popular culture, this course critically reassesses the relationship between Black politics and cultural forms emerging from within Africanamerican communitites, the commodification of those forms, and representation of Black images in mass media. Beginning with post war jazz, we will explore the Africanamerican roots of rock and roll, the development of blaxploitation films, and the shifting ideological meanings of hair and dress styles. A research paper, midterm and final examination are required in addition to attendance in a discussion section.