HIS-14 — African American History I

Prerequisite: None.

Description: A survey of the experience of Americans of African descent in America from the 1600s to 1865. The course begins with the history of African civilizations on the coast of West Africa, moves through the rise of slavery in the Americas, the origins and developments of American ideas about race, and the formation of African American culture(s) and identities. It then culminates with emancipation at the end of the Civil War. Although the history of African Americans is one of struggle and almost constant adversity, it is also one of strength and perseverance. In spite of the challenges, African Americans lived, loved, formed enduring communities, and created a unique culture. Since their involuntary arrival on the shores of North America during the early seventeenth century, Africans and their descendants confronted adversity by means of individual and collective action in numerous ways. The course explores these dimensions of the African American experience, and in so doing, highlights the multifaceted ways African Americans have made their own history while simultaneously shaping and contributing to the history of the United States. 54 hours lecture. (Same is ETS-14) (Letter grade only)