The central concern of this course is to investigate how race and racism have shaped black people’s experiences living in the United States. We will examine how race and racism have been (re)presented in African American literature, film, music, political manifestos, historical texts, and other cultural media, exploring the various ways that African American cultural producers and critics have engaged with these ubiquitous phenomena. Our readings and discussions of primary and secondary texts will consider the production and mutation of race and racism across historical epochs—from slavery to the post-civil rights era. The course rejects the notion of post-racialism and considers how this discourse re-entrenches racism. Moreover, we will consider, how, if at all, conversations surrounding race might move forward, and whether racism is so intractable that efforts to eradicate it might prove futile. That is, while exploring structural, representational, and material aspects of race and racism, we will keep our eyes focused on developing solutions to these problems. Of course, our energetic examinations of race and racism will take into consideration how other identities (class and gender, for example) nuance our understandings of race and racism. Assignments may include short papers, two examinations, and a final writing and video project. Class participation and attendance will also factor in the grade calculation. ">

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AFAM 206 - Race & Racism in Amer. Cult

Description
The central concern of this course is to investigate how race and racism have shaped black people’s experiences living in the United States. We will examine how race and racism have been (re)presented in African American literature, film, music, political manifestos, historical texts, and other cultural media, exploring the various ways that African American cultural producers and critics have engaged with these ubiquitous phenomena. Our readings and discussions of primary and secondary texts will consider the production and mutation of race and racism across historical epochs—from slavery to the post-civil rights era. The course rejects the notion of post-racialism and considers how this discourse re-entrenches racism. Moreover, we will consider, how, if at all, conversations surrounding race might move forward, and whether racism is so intractable that efforts to eradicate it might prove futile. That is, while exploring structural, representational, and material aspects of race and racism, we will keep our eyes focused on developing solutions to these problems. Of course, our energetic examinations of race and racism will take into consideration how other identities (class and gender, for example) nuance our understandings of race and racism. Assignments may include short papers, two examinations, and a final writing and video project. Class participation and attendance will also factor in the grade calculation. 
Recent Professors
Recent Semesters
Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016
Class Size
28-29
Credits
3
Professor Reviews
6y
Sophomore
Undecided
No shade. Robert's a great person. He makes jokes in class, and likes to gauge with his students. But he is PETTY. He will tell you he wants clean, concise, clear answers (leaving you no room to finesse). But then scribbles all over your paper saying that you "did not say enough" and that you need to "expand upon your thoughts." Leaves you guessing
5y
Sophomore
IPOL
Patterson is awesome. Race & Racism was by far the course that's changed my life the most. It challenges you unlike most other classes in the Georgetown curriculum. Spend an hour or two a week reading, participate in class, and absorb all you can. Dr. Patterson creates the best in-class environment I've experienced. Make sure to put in the work.
Read all 7 reviews
Usually Offered
MW (1 hour 15 minutes)
Attributes
Diversity-Domestic, SFS/CULP Social Science, College/AFAM:Hist,BeSci,SocInq, College/AFAM:Lang,Lit,Art,Cult, HALC - Hum, Art, Lit, Cul, X-List: AMST, X-List: ENGL, X-List: JUPS