HIST& 220 - African-American History

Credits: 5
A broad survey of African American history. Begins with an overview of West African cultures prior to the rise of the slave trade and ends with a discussion of modern events. Topics include the rise of slavery in the Americas, the origin and development of American ideas about race, the formation of an African-American culture, the Civil War and emancipation, the era of Jim Crow, and the struggle for civil rights from the 18th century to the present. Explores various interpretations and theoretical ideas about African American history. Shows that African American history is central to U.S. history. Previously HIST 224.

Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL& 101 or instructor’s permission.

Satisfies Requirement: Social Science and Diversity

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Understand the main themes and events in African American history.
Understand that African American history is central to the American experience and the development of U.S. history.
Examine how ideas and definitions of race originated and have developed throughout U.S. history.
Understand how and why interpretations of African American culture have changed over time.

Program Outcomes

Analyze how historical developments have various effects on people based on one or more of the following areas: geographical location, race, ethnicity, cultural traditions, gender and class.
Distinguish between opinions, facts, and evidence-based interpretations.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.
Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning - Quantitative Reasoning encompasses abilities necessary for a student to become literate in today’s technological world. Quantitative reasoning begins with basic skills and extends to problem solving.
Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.