Afro-American Studies 170 - Grassroot Exp Amer Lfe & Cul I

This course combines instruction in research techniques in a variety of Humanistic and Social Science disciplines, and hands-on experience with those techniques, with substantive materials focusing on the long struggle of minority populations for full participation in American cultural and public life. (Gen. Ed. HS, DU)

What is the connection between art and activism? Who belongs to the ?grassroots? of grassroots movements? And what does it mean for us today?
This course will move carefully and intentionally through the mid-20th century to today, outlining prominent social and political movements from each decade and the creative/cultural work that reflected, complicated, or otherwise accompanied them. Beginning with the Civil Rights Movement and culminating in an exploration of contemporary movements, we will necessarily combine elements of history, politics, literature, and performance studies in order to better understand the myriad and multimodal ways activist movements have attempted to achieve their long-term visions for a more just, equitable, and antiracist society. One of these ways includes the creation and dissemination of art. In so doing, we will situate ourselves within the ?story? of this history and explore together how the art we consume, critique, and contribute may be an active part of our own time?s grassroots activism.