African Diaspora

Catalog description

A diaspora is not merely a spreading of a particular people, but literally a forced dispersal, touched off by some great cataclysmic event or process. Africa has experienced no fewer than two such processes (both at the hands of Europe): the slave trade and imperialism (or colonialism). These diasporas have profoundly shaped the world we live in today, though Africa and its diasporas have largely been treated as an afterthought in the study of world history. One major goal of this course is to study the processes of the African diasporas to understand how Africans and their descendants have impacted world history-a world historical agency that has generally been ignored or denied. Another major goal of this course concerns the understanding not so much of the past but of our world today. This course is the same as AMS 358 and course repeat rules will apply. Students should consult with their major department regarding any restrictions on their degree requirements.