AJ17081 Introduction to African American History and Culture II

Faculty of Arts
Autumn 2019
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 2 credit(s) (plus 2 credits for an exam). Recommended Type of Completion: zk (examination). Other types of completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. et Mgr. Jan Beneš, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Jeffrey Alan Vanderziel, B.A. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. PhDr. Jana Chamonikolasová, Ph.D.
Department of English and American Studies – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Tomáš Hanzálek
Supplier department: Department of English and American Studies – Faculty of Arts
Timetable
Thu 18:00–19:40 D41
Prerequisites (in Czech)
AJ01002 Practical English II && AJ07002 Intro. to American Studies II && AJ17051 African Americans I
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 75 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/75, only registered: 0/75, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/75
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 12 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
This course is largely designed to introduce students to the major themes, issues, and debates in African American history and experience from the beginning of the 20th century until today through readings, lectures, film, and music. Some of the specific topics covered include the Great Migration and urbanization; the Harlem Renaissance and the Black Arts Movement; Jim Crow segregation and the civil rights and other political movement(s); racial violence, policing, and mass incarceration; black culture, popular culture, music and sports and the contemporary experience. Ultimately, students should gain an understanding of how African American lives and experience have progressed (as well as regressed) and developed in American society in the 20th and 21st centuries. Reading for this course will be based on a variety of historical material, including primary documents and modern historical works, articles, texts of speeches, works of fiction, poetry and music by African-American authors and artists. Audio and video material will also be used.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to identify and discuss the important topics and historical events that have impacted the African American community in the 20th and 21st centuries. They will be able to discuss the impact of African American culture on the broader American Culture. They will be able to recognize important figures in the history of African Americans and explain their contributions. They will be able to discuss the development of various culture forms including music and the arts within the African American community.
Syllabus
  • Weeks 1-2: The Great Migration, World Wars, urbanization, black sociology Weeks 3-4: Jim Crow and segregation, civil rights movement, Weeks 5-6: Post-Jim Crow, racial violence, policing, mass incarceration Weeks 7-8: Art Movements (The Harlem Renaissance, The Black Arts Movement, NBA) Weeks 9-11: Black culture as popular culture, music, sports Week 12: Post-racial theories, color-blind politics
Teaching methods
A 1.5 hour seminar per week with classroom discussion. In addition a documentary or feature film relating to African American issues will be shown each week.
Assessment methods
Assessment will be based on 6 pop quizzes and a written exam. The format of the exam will include essay questions, matching, multiple choice and short answer questions. Students will receive points for correct answers and must achieve a score of 60 to pass the exam.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2020.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2019, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/phil/autumn2019/AJ17081