Time Schedule:
Christopher S Parker
POL S 316
Seattle Campus
Race relations in U.S. politics as defined by the struggle of African Americans for economic, political, and social equality. Studies of African-American political and social thought; expands and clarifies our understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of American democratic ideals.
Class description
Description: This course is an intensive introduction to African American political thought. We will focus on how black political thinkers and activists have sought to shape the American polity and respond to central political questions and shared experiences in the American context. The course will explore major ideological trends and political philosophies as they have been applied and interpreted by African Americans. These include: liberalism, Marxism, feminism, nationalism, and conservatism. At the conclusion of this course students will be familiar with debates and conflicts in Black Political Thought, the historical context of African American social movements and the relationship between Black Political Thought and major trends in Western thought.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Requirements & Assignments: The requirements for the course include a midterm, final, and class participation. The mid-term consists of two essays. The final is a take-home exam in which the student is required to write two essays of no more than five pages each. Class participation, 20 percent of the total grade, is also important.
Grading: Mid-term: 30 %; Final: 50 %; Participation: 20 %.
