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Academic Year 2001/2002

Introduction to African-American Politics
AFAM 208 SP
Crosslistings:
GOVT 180

This course offers an introduction to both historical and contemporary trends in African-American political behavior. Particular emphasis is on the attitudes, ideologies, and institutions which structure African-American political behavior. We highlight the shared motivations underlying these attitudes and behaviors as well as the stratifications which influence political ideologies and mobilization. In this context, we also examine traditional modes of participation such as voting, black elected officials, involvement in political parties. Non-traditional activities including protest, armed resistance, oppositional cultural production, and fundamental grass-roots organizing likewise are interrogated to offer insight into the varied politics of African-Americans.

MAJOR READINGS

Cathy Cohen, BOUNDARIES OF BLACKNESS
Michael Dawson, BEHIND THE MULE
Aldon Morris, ORIGINS OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
Marcus Pohlmann, BLACK POLITICS IN CONSERVATIVE AMERICA
Katherine Tate, FROM PROTEST TO POLITICS
William J. Wilson, THE TRULY DISADVANTAGED

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

There will be an in-class midterm examination and a registrar-scheduled final examination. Additional requirements include one scheduled presentation and two short response papers (3-5 pp).

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS AFAM    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2002

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