Both class sections: spring semester wrap-up

Hank Williams

 

 

https://i0.wp.com/www.geekandspell.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2_THE_EAST_BLACKWDS_WEB.jpg

Image: Detail from X Clan To the East, Blackwards

First, that all of you for a good semester! I hope to see some of you in future classes and good luck with all your academic careers. To conclude everything, a few logistical details then links to some important events.

  • Grades will be submitted to CUNYFirst (NOT BLACKBOARD) by Friday May 26. You should see your final course grade online after that. It may take a day to show the changes.
  • Because of the volume of work right now, I can’t respond to individual emails for grades. Please use CUNYFirst to check your final grade and ask IT for help you if you can’t access the system for some reason.
  • If you want to discuss your final exam or grade, we can set up an appointment to do so during the break.
  • If you signed up to receive emails from the course website here, follow the unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of the email to stop them.
  • You don’t need to remove yourself from the text message list: I’ll remove everyone
  • We’re using the same book next semester. email me if you would like to sell yours to another student: hank [dot] williams [at] lehman [dot] cuny [dot] edu. I’ll put your name on a list for next semester

Major/minoring in Africana Studies: If you’re not an Africana Studies major or minor, consider joining us. It’s also particularly good as a minor or double major and overlaps nicely with English, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Education, History, Music and lots of others. The advantage: it’ll uniquely help you fit your work into the Black community and can be a big advantage when on the job market. See details in our department to sign up.

Fall 2023 Courses: For those interested, I’ll be teaching African American History (AAS 245) on Wednesday nights meeting synchronously (in real time) online. It’s designated as writing intensive. I’ll also be teaching 2 sections of African American Literature (AAS 267)–which is writing intensive. One section meets Monday/Wednesday afternoons 1:30-2:45; the second meets Tuesday afternoon from 2-4 PM. No course website yet, but you can email me for details.

Summer event resources

Now for the fun stuff. There are several New York City-area Black events that you can attend yourself and they’re designed to be family-friendly. Here are a few: [Updating as I get more info]

The Brooklyn Academy of Music’s annual DanceAfrica street fair is held on Memorial Day weekend. Vendors with African clothing, crafts, and (hopefully) books and DVDs usually line the streets around their location close the the Atlantic Ave subway complex. It’s a good opportunity to get some things you need, buy some gifts and practice Ujamaa (cooperative economics). Much of the clothing you see me wear comes from this or the IAAF below …

Lots of Juneteenth events around. Yonkers’s African American Heritage Committee hosts an annual weekend of events, including a flag raising at city hall and a parade. Here’s a full list of Juneteenth-related events in Westchester County. There are too many in NYC to list: see the Amsterdam News for listings in the next few weeks.

The annual International African Arts Festival returns to Brooklyn’s Commodore Barry Park (near downtown Brooklyn) over July 4 weekend with dozens of vendors selling clothing, books, art, furniture, and accessories from across the African world and daily/nightly performances, including some children’s-specific programming. Check their website for full details.

Hope to see you again on campus, in the streets, or at an event!

 

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NIGHT section May 16: Final class and review

Hank Williams

 

 

https://i0.wp.com/www.geekandspell.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2_THE_EAST_BLACKWDS_WEB.jpg

Image: Detail from X Clan To the East, Blackwards

NOTE THAT THIS IS THE UPDATE FOR THE NIGHT SECTION: IF YOU’RE IN THE DAY SECTION, SEE THE POST FOR YOUR CLASS

General Announcements:

Fall 2023 Courses: For those interested, I’ll be teaching African American History (AAS 245) on Wednesday nights–online. It’s writing intensive. I’ll also be teaching 2 sections of African American Literature (AAS 267)–which is writing intensive. There’ll be in-person sections on Monday night and Tuesday afternoon.

Course Announcements:

  • NIGHT SECTION Final exam is TUESDAY May 23 from 6:15-8:15 PM in usual classroom–in person on campus only. Don’t miss it
  • Our last class meeting is Tuesday 5/16
  • IN-CLASS QUIZ ON SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 7 NEXT TUESDAY 5/16!
    • Sections 7.2, 7.3, 7.6, 7.7,
    • Focus on power, issues of political power, functions of Black elected officials, limitations of Black elected officials,
  • Prof. Williams Zoom live chat hours: Monday 5/15 from 4-5 PM on Zoom here or on campus in Carman 291. Or call: +1 929 205 6099 then add meeting ID: 528 450 5381.
  • Spring 2023 Course: For those interested, I’ll be teaching African American History (AAS 245) meeting Monday nights on campus.
  •  
  • Prof. Williams Zoom live chat hours: Monday/Wednesday from 4-5 PM! on Zoom here. Or call: +1 929 205 6099 then add meeting ID: 528 450 5381. Or drop by Carman 291.

Quick highlights from previous class:

  • Reviewed Chapter 7 on Black politics in Maulana Karenga’s Introduction to Black Studies
  • Lecture notes posted in the usual spot
  • Began discussion of chapter 1o (Psychology)

DO THIS for Monday May 15

**Class starts with a quiz on chapter 7** See details above ^

FINISH/REVIEW the previously assigned sections of chapter 10 (Psychology) 

READ the following additional sections (approx. 5 additional pages):

  • Dr. Wade Nobles (414)
  • Dr. Amos Wilson (417)

This class will be a structured review/open Q&A for the final. My prepared presentation will cover the format of our exam itself and a general approach to essay exams. We’ll answer any open questions and collectively brainstorm some approaches. Please bring Maulana Karenga’s Introduction to Black Studies textbook with you also, since the second half of the class will be a review for the final exam.

Read my guide to final exams, “Zen and the Art of Finals” (PDF), which will help you begin to prepare for our final (and hopefully others as well). It summarizes much of what is usually in my prep sessions.

NIGHT SECTION Final Exam Info:

Tuesday May 23 from 6:15-8:15 PM in usual classroom–in person on campus only.

Format: 2 different essays on chapters from second half of semester only. More details forthcoming next week.

Scope: Will cover assigned sections from chapters 6 (Sociology), 7 (Politics), 10 (Psychology) only. Scroll through the weekly course updates for

Remember the materials to help you review on this website:

  • Scroll through the weekly Course Updates posts for a quick overview of the entire semester’s work (and reading questions)
  • My own Lecture Notes
  • Your returned quizzes
  •  

 

DAY section May 15: Final class and review

Hank Williams

 

 

https://i0.wp.com/www.geekandspell.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2_THE_EAST_BLACKWDS_WEB.jpg

Image: Detail from X Clan To the East, Blackwards

NOTE THAT THIS IS THE UPDATE FOR THE DAY SECTION: IF YOU’RE IN THE NIGHT SECTION, SEE THE POST FOR YOUR CLASS

General Announcements:

Fall 2023 Courses: For those interested, I’ll be teaching African American History (AAS 245) on Wednesday nights–online. It’s writing intensive. I’ll also be teaching 2 sections of African American Literature (AAS 267)–which is writing intensive. There’ll be in-person sections on Monday night and Tuesday afternoon.

Course Announcements:

  • DAY SECTION Final exam is WEDNESDAY May 17 from 1-3 PM in usual classroom–in person on campus only. Don’t miss it
  • Our last class meeting is Monday 5/15
  • Prof. Williams Zoom live chat hours: Monday 5/16 from 4-5 PM on Zoom here or on campus in Carman 291. Or call: +1 929 205 6099 then add meeting ID: 528 450 5381.
  • Spring 2023 Course: For those interested, I’ll be teaching African American History (AAS 245) meeting Monday nights on campus.

Quick highlights from Week 15 (12/5)’s class:

DO THIS for Monday May 15

FINISH/REVIEW the previously assigned sections of chapter 10 (Psychology) 

READ the following additional sections (approx. 5 additional pages):

  • Dr. Wade Nobles (414)
  • Dr. Amos Wilson (417)

This class will be a structured review/open Q&A for the final. My prepared presentation will cover the format of our exam itself and a general approach to essay exams. We’ll answer any open questions and collectively brainstorm some approaches. Please bring Maulana Karenga’s Introduction to Black Studies textbook with you also, since the second half of the class will be a review for the final exam.

Read my guide to final exams, “Zen and the Art of Finals” (PDF), which will help you begin to prepare for our final (and hopefully others as well). It summarizes much of what is usually in my prep sessions.

DAY SECTION Final Exam Info:

Wednesday May 17 from 1-3 PM in usual classroom–in person on campus only.

Format: 2 different essays on chapters from second half of semester only. More details forthcoming next week.

Scope: Will cover assigned sections from chapters 6 (Sociology), 7 (Politics), 10 (Psychology) only.

Remember the materials to help you review on this website:

  • Scroll through the weekly Course Updates posts for a quick overview of the entire semester’s work (and reading questions)
  • My own Lecture Notes
  • Your returned quizzes
  •  

 

NIGHT section May 8: Black Psychology Part 1

Hank Williams

Photo: Dr. Wade Nobles

NOTE THAT THIS IS THE UPDATE FOR THE NIGHT SECTION: IF YOU’RE IN THE DAY SECTION, SEE THE POST FOR YOUR CLASS

General Announcements:

The Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC) conference runs from 4/28-May 6 online via Zoom. Details/registration here.

Fall 2023 Courses: For those interested, I’ll be teaching African American History (AAS 245) on Wednesday nights–online. It’s writing intensive. I’ll also be teaching 2 sections of African American Literature (AAS 267)–which is writing intensive. There’ll be in-person sections on Monday night and Tuesday afternoon.

Malcolm X class: For anyone interested, there’ll be a class session on the historical legacy of Malcolm X in my African American history (AAS 245) class on Monday May 8 at 6 PM. It meets in the same classroom we do. Stop by if you’re interested in Malcolm!

Course Announcements:

  • IN-CLASS QUIZ ON SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 7 TUESDAY 5/16!
    • Sections 7.2, 7.3, 7.6, 7.7
    • Focus on power, issues of political power, functions of Black elected officials, limitations of Black elected officials,
  • Schedule notes: Last class meeting is Tuesday 5/16. Final Exam is Tuesday 5/23 6:15-8:15 in usual classroom
  • Prof. Williams Zoom live chat hours: Monday/Wednesday from 4-5 PM! on Zoom here. Or call: +1 929 205 6099 then add meeting ID: 528 450 5381. Or drop by Carman 291.

Quick highlights from Week 12 (11/14)’s class:

DO THIS Tuesday May 9

We’ll start class by finishing discussion of chapter 7; make sure you’re caught up on the reading if you haven’t finished that chapter yet.

For this week, there are 3 texts: 1) part of chapter 10 (Black Psychology) in Maulana Karenga’s Introduction to Black Studies 2) an article from Dr. Wade Nobles 3) a video from Dr. Joy DeGruy.

1-READ the first section of chapter 10 (Black Psychology-pp. 397-401–6 pages) in Maulana Karenga’s Introduction to Black Studies which has the following sections:

  • Intro and historical origins (10.1, 10.2)
  • 3 major schools: differences between approaches (10.3)

READ the section of chapter 10 on the psychology of Wade Nobles: (Pages 414-415)

2-READ Dr. Wade Nobles’s article “Fractured Consciousness, Shattered Identity: Black Psychology and the Restoration of the African Psyche” from the Journal of Black Psychology. 9 pages. PDF linked here. (Courtesy of his website.)

3-WATCH Dr. Joy DeGruy introduce her theory of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome:

4-(OPTIONAL)-Dr. Wade Nobles’s article “From Black Psychology to Sakhu Djaer: Implications for the Further Development of a Pan African Psychology” from the Journal of Black Psychology. PDF link here.

What to read for:

Chapter 10 gives an overview of the broad field of Black Psychology. It starts with a brief overview of the history followed by specific examples of practitioners who began to shape the response to their field, followed by the developments of the 1970s and beyond where a more defined response rooted in culture and experiences of African people outside of dominant theories takes hold. This week, focus on understanding the structure of the field and history from the reading in the textbook. For the reading and video by Drs. Nobles and DeGruy, think about their theories of collective trauma and how this shapes overall responses. If there are any psychology or social work majors, think about how this approach might shape your own ways of operating.

General reading strategies:

  • Underline/highlight key points in the text
  • Use the reading questions at the back of chapters to focus you: read those first
  • Try to understand the definitions of the key concepts listed at the back of the chapter
  • Make a note to ask the instructor to clarify anything you don’t understand
  • Note key issues, approaches, and dilemmas/challenges Dr. Karenga outlines

Discussion questions

  • See chapter/essay highlights above

Additional Resources:

What’s Next?

Chapter 10 (Psychology) part 2 in Introduction to Black Studies

DAY section May 8: Black Psychology Part 1

Hank Williams

Photo: Dr. Wade Nobles

NOTE THAT THIS IS THE UPDATE FOR THE DAY SECTION: IF YOU’RE IN THE NIGHT SECTION, SEE THE POST FOR YOUR CLASS

General Announcements:

The Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC) conference runs from 4/28-May 6 online via Zoom. Details/registration here.

Fall 2023 Courses: For those interested, I’ll be teaching African American History (AAS 245) on Wednesday nights–online. It’s writing intensive. I’ll also be teaching 2 sections of African American Literature (AAS 267)–which is writing intensive. There’ll be in-person sections on Monday night and Tuesday afternoon.

Course Announcements:

  • IN-CLASS QUIZ ON SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 7 NEXT WEDNESDAY 5/10!
    • Sections 7.2, 7.3, 7.6, 7.7
    • Focus on power, issues of political power, functions of Black elected officials, limitations of Black elected officials,
  • Prof. Williams Zoom live chat hours: Monday/Wednesday from 4-5 PM! on Zoom here. Or call: +1 929 205 6099 then add meeting ID: 528 450 5381. Or drop by Carman 291.

Quick highlights from Week 12 (11/14)’s class:

DO THIS Monday May 8

We’ll finish discussion of chapter 7 and (hopefully) start on chapter 8 in Monday’s class

1-READ the first half of chapter 10 (Black Psychology-pp. 397-407–10 pages) in Maulana Karenga’s Introduction to Black Studies which has the following sections:

  • Intro and historical origins (10.1, 10.2)
  • 3 major schools: differences between approaches (10.3)

DO THIS Wednesday May 10

We start Wednesday’s class with a quiz on chapter 7!

READ: TBA

WATCH Dr. Joy DeGruy introduce her theory of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome:

4-(OPTIONAL)-Dr. Wade Nobles’s article “From Black Psychology to Sakhu Djaer: Implications for the Further Development of a Pan African Psychology” from the Journal of Black Psychology. PDF link here.

What to read for:

Chapter 10 gives an overview of the broad field of Black Psychology. It starts with a brief overview of the history followed by specific examples of practitioners who began to shape the response to their field, followed by the developments of the 1970s and beyond where a more defined response rooted in culture and experiences of African people outside of dominant theories takes hold. This week, focus on understanding the structure of the field and history from the reading in the textbook. For the reading and video by Drs. Nobles and DeGruy, think about their theories of collective trauma and how this shapes overall responses. If there are any psychology or social work majors, think about how this approach might shape your own ways of operating.

General reading strategies:

  • Underline/highlight key points in the text
  • Use the reading questions at the back of chapters to focus you: read those first
  • Try to understand the definitions of the key concepts listed at the back of the chapter
  • Make a note to ask the instructor to clarify anything you don’t understand
  • Note key issues, approaches, and dilemmas/challenges Dr. Karenga outlines

Discussion questions

  • See chapter/essay highlights above

Additional Resources:

What’s Next?

Chapter 8 (Psychology) part 2 in Introduction to Black Studies

NIGHT May 2: Black Politics

Hank Williams

Photo: It’s Nation Time. Amiri Baraka. Black Forum Records (Motown). 1972.

NOTE THAT THIS IS THE UPDATE FOR THE NIGHT SECTION: IF YOU’RE IN THE DAY SECTION, SEE THE POST FOR YOUR CLASS

General Announcements:

The Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC) conference runs from 4/28-May 6 online via Zoom. Details/registration here.

Fall 2023 Courses: For those interested, I’ll be teaching African American History (AAS 245) on Wednesday nights–online. It’s writing intensive. I’ll also be teaching 2 sections of African American Literature (AAS 267)–which is writing intensive. There’ll be in-person sections on Monday night and Tuesday afternoon.

Course Announcements:

  • IN-CLASS QUIZ ON SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 6 NEXT MONDAY 5/2!
    • Sections 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, and 6.7
    • Focus on Ghetto/ghettoization, race, class, cultural paradigms, pathology, Black family, Crusian cultural paradigm, quality relations & “the connections”
  • Prof. Williams Zoom live chat hours: Monday/Wednesday from 4-5 PM! on Zoom here. Or call: +1 929 205 6099 then add meeting ID: 528 450 5381. Or drop by Carman 291.

Quick highlights April 25 class:

DO THIS for Tuesday May 2

Read all of chapter 7 (Black Politics) in Maulana Karenga’s Introduction to Black Studies. Please bring your book or PDF files/printout with you!

What to read for:

Chapter 7 takes a broad look at political engagement from Kemet to the experience in the US. Think about what rooting political responses in ancient texts does. Review the “Crusian Paradigm” from chapter 6 on social organization and think about how that relates to/shapes political engagement. Also think about how the chapter frames political engagement as more than just the electoral process–and indeed what goes into the electoral process behind the scenes.

ATTEND class @ 6 PM on Tuesday May 2

General reading strategies:

  • Underline/highlight key points in the text
  • Use the reading questions at the back of chapters to focus you: read those first
  • Try to understand the definitions of the key concepts listed at the back of the chapter
  • Make a note to ask the instructor to clarify anything you don’t understand
  • Note key issues, approaches, and dilemmas/challenges Dr. Karenga outlines

Discussion questions

  • See chapter/essay highlights above

What’s Next?

Chapter 8 (Psychology) in Introduction to Black Studies

DAY May 1: Black Politics

Hank Williams

Photo: It’s Nation Time. Amiri Baraka. Black Forum Records (Motown). 1972.

NOTE THAT THIS IS THE UPDATE FOR THE DAY SECTION: IF YOU’RE IN THE DAY SECTION, SEE THE POST FOR YOUR CLASS

General Announcements:

The Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC) conference runs from 4/28-May 6 online via Zoom. Details/registration here.

Course Announcements:

  • Prof. Williams Zoom live chat hours: Monday/Wednesday from 4-5 PM! on Zoom here. Or call: +1 929 205 6099 then add meeting ID: 528 450 5381. Or drop by Carman 291.

Quick highlights from last week’s (4/24, 4/26)’s classes:

  • Reviewed last half of Chapter 6 on sociology and the Black Family  in Maulana Karenga’s Introduction to Black Studies (pages 250-268). Covered sections on culture, family, and relationships
  • My lecture notes are in the usual spot
  • See the PBS series Race: the Power of an Illusion for a quick overview of housing segregation/wealth accumulation in the US. Lots of good stuff at the companion website. Housing discrimination in the US by official government policy as an example of institutional racism (racism supported/done by official institutions/governments.) See a 30-minute clip on Vimeo.
  • Selected additional resources: Delores Aldridge’s books Focusing, Focusing, Focusing: Black Male-Female Relationships and Our Last Hope: Black Male-Female Relationships in Change.
    • Clenora Hudson-Weems’s “Africana Womanism: an Overview” (PDF on the Readings page)

DO THIS for next week

Monday May 1

Read SECTIONS of chapter 7 (Black Politics) in Maulana Karenga’s Introduction to Black Studies.

Read sections 7.2-7.4 for Monday (You can SKIP section 7.1)

Wednesday May 3

Read sections 7.5-7.8 for Wednesday–FINISH the chapter

What to read for:

Chapter 7 takes a broad look at political engagement from Kemet to the experience in the US. Think about what rooting political responses in ancient texts does. Review the “Crusian Paradigm” from chapter 6 on social organization and think about how that relates to/shapes political engagement. Also think about how the chapter frames political engagement as more than just the electoral process–and indeed what goes into the electoral process behind the scenes.

 

General reading strategies:

  • Underline/highlight key points in the text
  • Use the reading questions at the back of chapters to focus you: read those first
  • Try to understand the definitions of the key concepts listed at the back of the chapter
  • Make a note to ask the instructor to clarify anything you don’t understand
  • Note key issues, approaches, and dilemmas/challenges Dr. Karenga outlines

Discussion questions

  • See chapter/essay highlights above

What’s Next?

Quiz on assigned sections of chapter 7; reading TBD in Introduction to Black Studies

NIGHT April 25: Black Sociology continued

Hank Williams

Image: Ernie Barnes “The Sugar Shack.” 1976 oil on canvas.

NOTE THAT THIS IS THE UPDATE FOR THE NIGHT SECTION: IF YOU’RE IN THE DAY SECTION, SEE THE POST FOR YOUR CLASS

First, a few housekeeping details:

Course Announcements:

  • Prof. Williams Zoom live chat hours: Monday/Wednesday from 4-5 PM! on Zoom here. Or call: +1 929 205 6099 then add meeting ID: 528 450 5381. Or drop by Carman 291.

Quick highlights April 18 class:

  • Midterms returned
  • Covered first part of chapter 6: sections 6.1, 6.2, part of section 6.3
  • Music: Roy Ayers: “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”–on YouTube here

DO THIS for Tuesday April 25:

  • Please bring the readings/books with you to class!
  • RE-READ up to section 6.6 (pp. 249-268) of chapter 6 (Black Sociology) in Maulana Karenga’s Introduction to Black Studies. (18 pages total)
  • FOCUS on sections 6.4 and 6.5 (culture and families)
  • READ section 6.7 (quality relationships)
  • RE-READ Joyce Ladner’s “Tomorrow’s Tomorrow: The Black Woman” from The Death of White Sociology. (15 pages: PDF document on the Readings page. We’ll discuss this in class

What to read for:

The middle section of the chapter deals with two main issues: 1) how mainstream social science research has misunderstood (or slandered) Black culture and argued that it’s the root of issues Black people face in the US — 2) how it’s done the same to Black families/family structures. The last section of the chapter presents what good quality relationships might look like. Try to understand:

  • culture and the different models
  • issues of studying Black family relations and the various approaches
  • the “pathological/pathogenic school”
  • the “adaptive vitality school”
  • Kawaida theory as alternate model
  • The 4 “connections” that form quality relationships

From the PDF reading, think about how Ladner critiques dominant social science theories of approaching research. Reflect on how these issues have been presented in your own classes.

ATTEND class on Tuesday April 25

General reading strategies:

  • Underline/highlight key points in the text
  • Focus on the specific chapter sections outlined here
  • Start with the table of contents at the front of the book for a chapter outline. Write the assigned sections down in your notebook. This is your outline for the chapter
  • Use the reading questions at the back of chapters to focus you: read those first
  • Next read the assigned chapter sections
  • Try to understand the definitions of the key concepts listed at the back of the chapter
  • Make a note to ask the instructor to clarify anything you don’t understand
  • Note key issues, approaches, and dilemmas/challenges Dr. Karenga outlines

Discussion questions

  • See chapter/essay highlights above

Additional resources:

  • Book: Joyce Ladner The Death of White Sociology.
  • Book: Ira Katznelson When Affirmative Action Was White.

What’s Next?

Quiz on chapter 6; start Chapter 7 in Introduction to Black Studies

 

DAY section April 24: Black relationships and Africana Womanism

Hank Williams

Image: Friends. Elizabeth Catlett (1915-2012). via Princeton University Art Museum collection.

NOTE THAT THIS IS THE UPDATE FOR THE DAY SECTION: IF YOU’RE IN THE NIGHT SECTION, SEE THE POST FOR YOUR CLASS

General Announcements:

Course Announcements:

  • Prof. Williams Zoom live chat hours: Monday/Wednesday from 4-5 PM! on Zoom here. Or call: +1 929 205 6099 then add meeting ID: 528 450 5381. Or drop by Carman 291.

Quick highlights from Week 10 (10/31, 11/2)’s classes:

  • Reviewed the first parts of Chapter 6 on sociology in Maulana Karenga’s Introduction to Black Studies (pages 250-268).
  • My lecture notes are in the usual spot
  • Resource/for further reading: Joyce Ladner The Death of White Sociology
  • See the PBS series Race: the Power of an Illusion for a quick overview of housing segregation/wealth accumulation in the US. Lots of good stuff at the companion website. Housing discrimination in the US by official government policy as an example of institutional racism (racism supported/done by official institutions/governments.) See a 30-minute clip on Vimeo.

DO THIS for week 11

Monday April 24

RE-READ section 6.5 on Black family structures

Finish chapter 6  (section 6.7) in Maulana Karenga’s Introduction to Black Studies. Read last part of the chapter (pp. 274-285) on relationships, with a focus on “the connections” and social factors that define Black relationships.

What to read for:

The second half of chapter 6 deals with varying approaches to gender studies and relationships in Africana Studies. Think about how the foundation of quality relationships is framed here.

Wednesday April 26

Quiz on all assigned sections of chapter 6

Catch up on any reading you haven’t done yet.

General reading strategies:

  • Underline/highlight key points in the text
  • Focus your attention on the chapter sections in each weekly post: these are what we cover in class
  • Start with the table of contents in each chapter to give yourself an outline
  • Use the reading questions at the back of chapters to focus you: read those first
  • Try to understand the definitions of the key concepts listed at the back of the chapter
  • Make a note to ask the instructor to clarify anything you don’t understand
  • Note key issues, approaches, and dilemmas/challenges Dr. Karenga outlines

Discussion questions

  • See chapter/essay highlights above

What’s Next?

Chapter 7 (Politics) in Introduction to Black Studies

DAY section April 17: Black Sociology

Hank Williams

Image: US American Black. Faith Ringgold. via artist’s website. 1969. Oil on canvas. 60 x 84″. From Ringgold’s “Black Light” series.

NOTE THAT THIS IS THE UPDATE FOR THE DAY SECTION: IF YOU’RE IN THE NIGHT SECTION, SEE THE POST FOR YOUR CLASS

First, a few housekeeping details:

Course Announcements:

  • Prof. Williams Zoom live chat hours: Monday/Wednesday from 4-5 PM! on Zoom here. Or call: +1 929 205 6099 then add meeting ID: 528 450 5381. Or drop by Carman 291. No office hours/Zoom during spring break week!

Quick highlights from April 3:

  • Midterm exam. No class Wednesday April 5 for spring break

Do this for week 10: April 17/ 19

For Monday April 17

Read up to section 6.6 (pp. 249-268) of chapter 6 (Black Sociology) in Maulana Karenga’s Introduction to Black Studies. (18 pages total)

Please remember to bring your book with you to class!

What to read for:

The first half of chapter 6 deals with social science approaches of studying/analyzing Black communities, families, and life. Think about how the approaches presented deal with issues of methodology (how research is done and what questions are asked), impartiality and objectivity in research, and the relationship of the researcher to the subject. Try to understand:

  • Issues of ghettoization
  • culture and the different models
  • issues of studying Black family relations and the various approaches

For Wednesday April 19

READ Joyce Ladner’s “Tomorrow’s Tomorrow: The Black Woman” from The Death of White Sociology. (15 pages: PDF document on the Readings page

What to read for:

From the PDF reading, think about how Ladner critiques dominant social science theories of approaching research. Reflect on how these issues have been presented in your own classes.

ATTEND class on Monday and Wednesday

General reading strategies:

  • Underline/highlight key points in the text
  • Use the reading questions at the back of chapters to focus you: read those first
  • Try to understand the definitions of the key concepts listed at the back of the chapter
  • Make a note to ask the instructor to clarify anything you don’t understand
  • Note key issues, approaches, and dilemmas/challenges Dr. Karenga outlines

Discussion questions

  • See chapter/essay highlights above

What’s Next?

Second half of Chapter 6 in Introduction to Black Studies