Black Psychology

Catalog description

This course examines the psychology of the African-American experience. This includes an overview of Black/African-American and African-centered psychology as an evolving field of study along with the consideration of the Black/African-American Psychology paradigm as one of the key conceptual frameworks for understanding the psychological experiences of African-Americans. Further, exploration of a range of topics that pertain to the psychological experiences of African-Americans such as racism and discrimination, achievement and schooling, kinship and family, racial identity, religion and spirituality, and African-American mental health. A focus of the course is the range of theoretical and methodological approaches that scholars have developed to conceptualize the thoughts, styles, and behaviors of African-Americans. The course includes discussions of current topics, controversies, and recent advances in African-American psychology. Throughout the course, a primary objective will be to consider how our knowledge of African-American psychological experiences can be used to promote African-American psychological health and wellness.