Time Schedule:
Stephanie M. H. Camp
HSTAA 321
Seattle Campus
History of Africans in America from slave trade through the Civil War, with emphasis on how gender informed African-American experience. Topics include slave trade, middle passage, life in plantation south, culture, family structure and resistance, and the experience of free blacks, North and South.
Class description
This course surveys the history of African people and their descendants in the U.S. from the slave trade through the end of Reconstruction and into the beginning of the era of Jim Crow segregation. We will read the work of historians and primary documents from the periods of study. We will focus, in particular, on black identity in slavery and freedom. We will debate the influence of Africa on African Americans, the importance of slave resistance and the meanings of freedom.
Student learning goals
To learn the history of black Americans during this period;
To debate issues based on evidence (primary and secondary sources);
To improve writing skills;
To think critically about identity and "community."
General method of instruction
Lectures and discussions.
Recommended preparation
Willingness to read carefully, discuss earnestly, and write and revise.
Class assignments and grading
This class is a combination of lecture and discussion. Lectures will provide background, while readings and discussions will focus on details and debates; discussions (based on readings) will be held during *each* bi-weekly meeting. Students will be graded on their participation, reading responses, discussion, two exams and a source paper.
Class Participation: 20% Reading Responses: 20% Two exams: 20% each Source paper: 20%
