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Introduction to Modern African American History
AFAM204 SP

Crosslistings: HIST242,AMST238

This course examines the history of African Americans since the end of slavery, focusing particularly on the many ways in which black Americans have struggled to achieve freedom and equality in American society. We shall explore change and continuity in African American history, migration patterns, urbanization, leadership strategies, the Civil Rights Movement, and modern black Nationalism. While the class cannot cover every aspect of the Afro-American experience, we will explore how political events, developments in the nature of the American state, and personal agency have affected African Americans since Emancipation.

MAJOR READINGS

Leon Litwack, BEEN IN THE STORM SO LONG
James Goodman, STORIES OF SCOTTSBORO
Howell Raines, MY SOUL IS RESTED
Mamie Garvin Fields, LEMON SWAMP AND OTHER PLACES: A MEMOIR
Malcolm X, THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MALCOLM X
Andrew Hacker, TWO NATIONS: BLACK AND WHITE, SEPARATE, HOSTILE, UNEQUAL
William Chafe, CIVILITIES AND CIVIL RIGHTS: GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA, AND THE BLACK STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM
Gretchen Lemke-Santangelo, ABIDING COURAGE: AFRICAN-AMERICAN MIGRANT WO MEN AND THE EAST BAY C0MMUNITY

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

One short paper (3-4 pages); one longer paper (7-8 pages); in-class midterm, take-home final exam.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

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/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: NONE

Last Updated on MAR-24-2000

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