James Baldwin's America

Catalog description

A graduate seminar on twentieth century U.S. history with an emphasis on race, gender, sexuality, religion and politics as chronicled through the writings, thoughts and ideas of James Baldwin. Baldwin is one of the foremost intellectuals in U.S. history. He wrote on a variety of subjects including art, culture, politics, religion, race, gender, and sexuality. Students in this class will become familiar with twentieth century U.S. history as expressed in the life and work of James Baldwin through a critical examination of his writings. Students will enhance their understanding of the subject of race and African Americans, as public-school educators and those with a scholarly interest in the subject, while sharpening their critical and analytical thinking skills after becoming familiar with the major themes, topics and history illustrated in the writings of one of the nation's most important intellectuals. Readings in this class include Baldwin's writings on religion, race, gender and sexuality from the mid-twentieth century to the 1980's.