Topics in Transnational Black Studies (381-0-20)

Topic

Black Europe

Instructors

Kennetta Hammond Perry

Meeting Info

Locy Hall 303: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

What are the historical underpinnings of ‘Black Europe' in the modern era? How have people of African descent shaped and fundamentally transformed European histories, cultures and societies? What are some of the themes, experiences and ideas which have constituted ‘Blackness' and being ‘Black' in a European context historically and how have people of African descent defined and negotiated this terrain? The history of Europe is intimately connected to the history of the African Diaspora. This course provides students with an opportunity to explore the many facets of the European dimensions of the African Diaspora. This course will provide students with an opportunity to engage a range of themes which have shaped Black life and ideas about Blackness in Europe including slavery, colonialism, empire, anti-colonialism, citizenship, migration as well as the production of racial identifications and the articulation of racisms.

Learning Objectives

1) Understand how populations of the African Diaspora have shaped European histories, cultures, identities and societies from the Age of Revolution to the present
2) Understand conceptions of race and Blackness over time in various European contexts
3) Understand major debates, key concepts and methodological issues shaping the emerging field of Black European Studies
4) Develop a transnational view of Black histories, cultures, communities and identities
5) Engage and analyze primary sources
6) Develop and hone critical thinking and writing skills

Class Materials (Required)

Hans Massaquoi, Destined to Witness: Growing Up Black in Nazi Germany
ISBN: 978-0060959616

Sue Peabody, There Are No Slaves in France
978-0195101980

Britain's Forgotten Slave Owners (BBC Documentary)

All other required readings will be posted to Canvas