Tyina Leaneice Steptoe
Reconstruction and its aftermath, the Agrarian (Populist) revolt, disfranchisement and segregation, the effects of urbanization and subsequent depression, desegregation, and the struggle for civil rights. Examines the New South, the conflict of ideology with structural and material change, and the place of the South in contemporary America.
AFRAM 272 focuses on the history of race in the U.S. South from 1865-2005. Grounded in African American Studies, this class highlights cultural, political, economic, and social changes in the South since the legal end of slavery. Topics include: the establishment of free black communities; gender and family; the intersection of race and sex in Southern politics; the establishment of Jim Crow; the development of musical styles like the blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, soul, and Dirty South hip hop; depictions of the South in U.S. cinema; the long struggle for civil rights, from Reconstruction through the Black Power era; and grassroots activism in rural and urban communities.
Student learning goals
Understand how race, class, and gender have historically influenced Southern society and politics.
Connect popular culture (especially film and music) to the political, economic, and social history of the U.S. South.
Improve your ability to read, analyze, and discuss a wide range of texts.
Develop your research skills, especially your ability to locate relevant primary source materials.
Enhance your writing skills through the production of scholarly essays.
General method of instruction
Introduction to African American History and/or Introduction to African American Studies recommended
Class assignments and grading
3 analytical essays comprise 90% of the total grade.