AFAM345

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AFAM345

History of the Black Family in the United States AFAM345 FA

Crosslistings: HIST345, WMST345

Not Currently Offered

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 structures, 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: Discussion Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: SBS HIST

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-22-1999

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