African-American History II (HIST 30800)

Course Description

African American history II is a course that examines the broad range of experiences of African Americans from the close of the American Civil War to the 1980s.  We will explore both the relationship of blacks to the larger society and the inner dynamic of the black community.  We will devote particular attention to Reconstruction, the migration of African Americans from the rural south to the urban north, and the political machinations of the African-American community.  Classes will be conducted as lecture-discussions.

Course Goals

• Close and critical reading
• Responding to and making use of the presented academic material
• Conducting library research
• The articulation of an argument in the construction of African American history

A phrase that I find increasingly difficult to accept is “I followed where the sources led,” as if the sources speak and one merely recites what was heard.  We investigate sources for soundness, accuracy, and truth, and we interpret what we find.  Good historical writing and critique is the integration of diverse sources into a coherent argument.  Producing an argument is the goal for us all and a standard to which we each should aspire.

Required Texts

• John Griffin, Black Like Me
• Lance Hill, The Deacons for Defense
• Shirley Moore, To Place Our Deeds
• Paul Robeson, Here I Stand
• Additional readings

Course Requirements

Each student will write a mid-term examination and a comprehensive final examination during the scheduled final examination period.  Students will also write an annotated bibliography.  Each student will be responsible for all assigned readings and for all material covered in regular class meetings.

Grading

Each student’s grade will be based on performance on exams, written work, and meaningful class participation, such as involvement during discussions on the assigned reading.  Out of 200 possible points, the midterm is worth 100 points, the final 125, and the bibliography assignment 75.  The University of Notre Dame honor code is in effect for all written work.