[ Wesleyan Home Page ] [ WesMaps Home Page ] [ WesMaps Archive ] [ Course Search ] [ Course Search by CID ]
Academic Year 2000/2001

History of the Black Family in the United States
AFAM 345 FA
Crosslistings:
HIST 345
WMST 345

For much of the twentieth century, the black family has been a focus of public policy concern. This course explores the history of black families in the United States, beginning with the formation of families during slavery and ending with an examination of current debates about matriarchy, teenage mothers, and welfare reform. We will also examine the nature of the black family under slavery, the effect of emancipation on black families, how the process of migration affected family structure s, and how state social policies affect families. The most important historical questions we will address this semester include, What is a family and how should "family" be defined? What role has the black family played in the black community and in the black struggle for equality? How does the black family function as a political symbol?

MAJOR READINGS

Herbert Gutman, THE BLACK FAMILY IN SLAVERY AND FREEDOM
Carol Stack, ALL OUR KIN
Nicholas Lemann, THE PROMISED LAND
Mamie Garvin Fields, LEMON SWAMP AND OTHER PLACES Rickie Solinger, WAKE UP LITTLE SUSIE: SINGLE PREGNANCY AND RACE BEFORE ROE VS. WADE

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

One 4-5 page paper, in-class presentation, weekly reading responses, 15-20 page research paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Preference will be given to majors in History, African-American Studies, and Women's Studies who have demonstrated an interest in race and gender in their past studies. Preference will also be given to African-American Studies majors who have not yet fulfilled their seminar requirement.

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS HIST    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-26-2001

Contact wesmaps@wesleyan.edu to submit comments or suggestions. Please include a url, course title, faculty name or other page reference in your email

Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459