Instructor: Dr. Audrey McCluskey
2:30 PM-3:45 PM TR BH205
Fulfills: SCSI, CSA

This course utilizes an interdisciplinary perspective to examine important aspects of black
women's history, identity, and culture.  We will investigate policies, cultural assumptions, and
knowledge systems that affect black women's lives by examining historical models, religion, social
and health issues, and black women's creativity.  While the primary focus will be North America,
the lives of black women in other selected cultural settings within the African Diaspora,
particularly women's roles in early African civilizations will also be examined.  The
student-centered format uses a combination of lecture, discussion, small group exercises.  There
will be a collaborative learning project related to one of the subject areas covered in class in which
students will research a topic of interest such as black women in the civil rights movements, black
women in the music industry, myths about welfare, etc. in addition to the course reader, principal
texts include: Paula Giddins, When and Where I Enter: The Impact of Black Women on Race and
Sex in America, Micheline Malson et. al. Black Women in America, and Jamaica Kincaid, Annie
John (a novella).  A mid-term and final exam, and a short paper are required.