This foundation and team-taught course surveys the history, importance, and core tenets of Black Studies, and its emergence and evolution at Wellesley College. Facilitated by stimulating lectures, discussions, readings, archival research, oral historical testimonies, and invaluable interactions with living alums, faculty, and staff, we explore (1) the dynamic lives and legacies of members of the Black community at the College; (2) the pioneering architects and pillars of the Black Studies department; and (3) the establishment of Black intellectual and cultural organizations, and communal spaces founded by students, faculty, and staff on campus. Students will also learn from the interdisciplinary expertise and experiences of the current Africana Studies faculty in Black studies, literature, history, political science, psychology, cosmology, ontology, religion, and culture. Central themes include Black pedagogy and intellectualism, cultural identity and expression, self-definition and -determination, community consciousness, activism, systemic discrimination, civil rights, political and social movements, Black Power to Black Lives Matter, wellness, and wholeness.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 20

Prerequisites: None.

Instructor: Fitzpatrick

Distribution Requirements: EC - Epistemology and Cognition

Typical Periods Offered: Fall and Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes: