Introduction to Black Psychology

Catalog description

This course presents an Afrocentric perspective on psychology, from its historical roots in ancient Egypt, through slavery, and into modern times. The course will review ethnocentrism, the misuse of Western psychology to marginalize African Americans and reasons for scientific abuses against people of color, such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. The course will focus on topics such as the Black family, racism, cultural mistrust, stereotype threat, Black-White relations, and Black mental health. Also discussed are spirituality, the gifted, sexuality, youth culture, common misconceptions about African Americans, and within-group differences related to gender, class, age, and sexual orientation. A diversity of viewpoints is welcomed and encouraged throughout the semester. Topics we discuss will be, at times, controversial, sensitive, and maybe uncomfortable. We will set ground rules for how to respectfully engage with each other at the start of the semester. As you make comments and ask questions, please be mindful of the diversity of opinions and experiences that may be reflected in the virtual room. Introduction to Black Psychology is designated as a Psychology cluster course, part of the Black Studies Minor.