This course offers a comprehensive introduction to African American political thought, examining significant ideological trends and philosophies as articulated by African Americans.
Key elements include:
Led by Mark Sawyer, an Associate Professor at UCLA, the course is enriched by his expertise in race, immigration, and citizenship, along with his involvement in prominent political science associations.
This module dives into the diversity and continuity of black political thought, analyzing various ideological frameworks that have emerged within the African American community. Students will explore:
Engagement with primary texts and critical discussions will help students understand the evolution and relevance of these ideas in today's political landscape.
Radical Egalitarianism examines the concept of equality from a radical perspective within African American political thought. This module will cover:
Students will engage with various texts and case studies to understand the significance of radical egalitarianism in shaping African American political discourse.
Building upon the previous module, Radical Egalitarianism II delves deeper into the practical applications of radical egalitarian principles. This module focuses on:
Students will critically analyze the successes and challenges of implementing radical egalitarianism in various contexts.
Black Marxism investigates the intersection of Marxist theory and African American political thought. In this module, students will explore:
Through readings and discussions, students will assess the strengths and limitations of applying Marxist ideology to understanding black political struggles.
Dissolution Liberalism explores the idea of liberalism as it pertains to African American political thought. Key discussions will include:
This module encourages students to critically examine the compatibility of liberalism with the goals of African American political movements.
Black Conservatism examines the emergence and evolution of conservative thought within the African American community. This module will cover:
Students will engage with texts that illustrate the diversity of thought within black conservatism and its impact on contemporary political discourse.
Black Debate encourages students to engage in critical discussions surrounding contentious issues in African American political thought. This module will focus on:
Students will participate in debates and workshops designed to enhance their understanding of the complexities within African American political thought.
Black Feminism and Women's Rights examines the intersection of race and gender within the context of African American political thought. Key topics include:
Through readings and discussions, students will analyze the significance of black feminism in shaping contemporary women's rights movements.
Rap and Popular Culture investigates the influence of hip-hop and rap music on African American political thought and activism. Topics include:
Students will analyze lyrics and performances to understand how rap culture shapes political discourse among African Americans.
Music and Popular Culture explores the broader impact of music on African American political thought and identity. This module will cover:
Through a diverse range of musical examples, students will engage in discussions about the significance of music in shaping political and cultural narratives.