Afro-American Studies 151 - Literature & Culture

Relevant forms of Black cultural expressions contributing to the shape and character of contemporary Black culture; the application of these in traditional Black writers. Includes: West African cultural patterns and the Black past; the transition-slavery, the culture of survival; the cultural patterns through literature; and Black perceptions versus white perceptions. (Gen.Ed. AL, DU)

This course is open to first-year students in the Cultural Explorations RAP in Thoreau. Students in Cultural Explorations RAP in Thoreau Hall will enroll together in "Literature and Culture: Intro to Black Music Studies" (Afro Am 151). 'Everyone's a critic' especially when it comes to music, but how does one critically engage music? In this course, we will approach Black genres of music from historical, cultural and literary perspectives. Further, we will discuss the ways in which Black music permeates other forms of culture such as literature and media (film, fashion, dancing, etc.).

See https://www.umass.edu/rap/cultural-explorations-rap