Ithaca College

To what extent can the past help us make sense of the present, and future in Black American and broader U.S. politics?

Want to explore current debates about racial, social, and economic injustice?

Want to explore the historical institutional legacies of black political regimes?

These questions, among others, will be explored in this NEW SEMINAR:

This NEW seminar explores the main ideas/thinking and material substance of politics among black Americans and the relation of black politics to the broader American political order. This course has two objectives. First, we will explore the thrust and logic of the strategic political discourse of black Americans in the late 19th century and through the early 21st century.

Second, we will explore 1) the pertinent issues and social relations since 1865 as a way of helping to make sense of the present, and 2) to develop criteria for evaluating political scientists’ and others’ (pundits, social media activism, etc.) claims regarding the status and characteristics of black American political activity. The course concentrates on the period from Emancipation to the present.

ENROLLMENT: 10

PREREQUISITES:   Three courses in the social sciences; 1-4 credits; or permission of instructor

Course can also satisfy a 300 level requirement.

For more information about this seminar, or have any questions, please contact:  Carlos Figueroa, Ph.D., Muller 319, Ext. 4-7483, or via email:  cfigueroa@ithaca.edu.

Faculty website:  https://faculty.ithaca.edu/cfigueroa/