African and African American Studies (AAA S) 100: Evolving Status of Blacks in the Twentieth Century: Interdisciplinary Perspectives
African and African American Studies employs an interdisciplinary set of tools for analyzing black Americans' experiences and studies the ways that race and racism shape and are shaped by social, cultural, political, and economic relationships. This course concentrates on the evolving status of African Americans but, on occasion, it also looks at African Americans in context of the African Diaspora and the world. It explores both the differences between black Americans and non-black Americans and differences among African Americans. The readings and discussion will be designed to examine ideas about race, racism, class, and other aspects of black history and life.
What will I learn in this course?
At the conclusion of this course, you should be able to:
- discuss some key issues, questions and debates relating to African American life and culture
- recognize some of the themes and concepts that generally inform African American studies
- analyze arguments
- appreciate the history and experience of African Americans who have made many contributions to American life and who have continually expanded the meaning and boundaries of freedom and human dignity
This course meets the General Education Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirements, the United States Cultures (US) requirements, and the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. See your advisor if you have questions about how this course can be used in your program of study.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
No specific classes are required before taking AAA S 100.
I've never taken an online course before. What is it like?
This course is taught completely online. We'll use Penn State's course management system, ANGEL, for AAA S 100, and you will be able to communicate with the professor and your classmates through chat, e-mail, and threaded discussions within ANGEL.
You do not need to come to campus at any time, and you do not need a proctor or remote testing site.
However, an online course is not easier than on-campus course. In fact, it takes a lot more self-discipline. You must be willing and able to commit the same amount of time as you would for attending class and studying for a traditional course. You must also be a motivated, organized student who feels confident about reading to learn and who is comfortable working independently. If you're wondering whether an online course is right for you, take this short survey to find out more about how online learning is different.
What are the technological requirements for this course?
To complete this course, you must have the following equipment or capabilities:
- have access to a computer that meets the ANGEL technological requirements.
- have access to a computer with flash viewer installed
- be comfortable with navigating the Internet
How is the course structured?
AAA S 100 has 8 lessons which you will cover in the first part of the course. You will have weekly reading assignments and quizzes. message board posts, and other activities to perform.
For each lesson, you are required to reflect thoughtfully and critically on the readings and lesson overview by participating in threaded discussions. During the fall and spring semesters, you will also need to write a critical reflection essay.
In the latter part of the course, you will participate in a group project critically analyzing and debating a current issue impacting African Americans.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about AAA S 100 Online, see a recent course syllabus. To register, visit the Office of the University Registrar. At the beginning of each semester, all enrolled students should access AAA S 100 at the site of Penn State's course management system, ANGEL.
"The Black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness "
-Marcus Garvey (founder Universal Negro Improvement Association , a twentieth century Black Separatist organization.)
Race: a group of persons connected by common descent or origin.
Oxford English Dictionary
Lynching Announcement
The Crisis, August 1919
Violence - Jim Crowism
Black Power, Black Nationalism
1969 to 1980
Astronaut Ronald McNair (MIT physicist, flew aboard Space Shuttle Challenger, 1984)