Courses
AFRS 099. Writer’s Workshop (1)
1 unit University credit; No credit toward graduation. Emphasizes the development of the individual student’s writing abilities with intensive practice in basic writing skills, including grammar, usage and other aspects of the composing process. May be taken by students who wish to improve their writing skills, whatever the level. 2 hours lab per week. (Credit/No Credit only)
AFRS 100. Introduction to Black Studies and Culture (3)
Overview of Black culture, including history, religion, social organization, politics, economics, psychology, and creative production, with a survey of the key concepts and fundamental literature in each area. The discipline of Africana Studies is also presented in terms of its origins and distinguishing theories and methods. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies.)
AFRS 110. Fundamentals of Business Organization and Management (3)
Survey of business functions in the African-American community. Enterprise management in the broadest sense is designed to integrate experience into a coherent, realistic approach to business organization and management. (Available for General Education, Lifelong Learning.)
AFRS 113A. Approaches to University Writing A (3)
Prerequisite: EPT score of 139 and below. Corequisite: UNIV 061. Expository prose writing, with a focus on both content and form. Specific emphases include the exercise of logical thought and clear expression, the development of effective organizational strategies and the appropriate gathering and utilization of evidence. Includes instruction on diction, syntax and grammar, as well as the elements of prose style. Students receive credit for only one course chosen from AAS 113A, AFRS 113A, CAS 113A, CHS 113A, ENGL 113A, LING 113A or QS 113A. Students also are required to enroll in UNIV 061 (1 credit) or equivalent. Individual tutoring is available through the Africana Studies Department or the Learning Resource Center.
AFRS 113B. Approaches to University Writing B (3)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of AFRS 113A or equivalent. Corequisite: UNIV 062. Expository prose writing with a focus on both content and form. Specific emphases include the exercise of logical thought and clear expression, the development of effective organizational strategies and the appropriate gathering and utilization of evidence. Includes instruction on diction, syntax and grammar, as well as the elements of prose style. Students receive credit for only one course chosen from AAS 113B, AFRS 113B, CAS 113B, CHS 113B, ENGL 113B, LING 113B or QS 113B. Students also are required to enroll in UNIV 062 (1 credit) or equivalent. Individual tutoring is available through the Africana Studies Department or the Learning Resource Center. (Available for General Education, Basic Skills Analytical Reading/Expository Writing.) (IC)
AFRS 114A. Approaches to University Writing A (3)
Prerequisite: EPT score of 140-146. Expository prose writing, with a focus on both content and form. Specific emphases include the exercise of logical thought and clear expression, the development of effective organizational strategies and the appropriate gathering and utilization of evidence. Includes instruction on diction, syntax and grammar, as well as the elements of prose style. Students receive credit for only one course chosen from AAS 114A, AFRS 114A, CAS 114A, CHS 114A, ENGL 114A or QS 114A. Individual tutoring is available through the Africana Studies Department or the Learning Resource Center.
AFRS 114B. Approaches to University Writing B (3)
Prerequisite: AFRS 114A. Expository prose writing, with a focus on both content and form. Specific emphases include the exercise of logical thought and clear expression, the development of effective organizational strategies and the appropriate gathering and utilization of evidence. Includes instruction on diction, syntax and grammar, as well as the elements of prose style. Students receive credit for only one course chosen from AAS, AFRS, CAS, CHS, ENGL or QS 114B. Individual tutoring is available through the Africana Studies Department or the Learning Resource Center. (Available for General Education, Basic Skills Analytical Reading/Expository Writing.) (IC)
AFRS 115. Approaches to University Writing (3)
Prerequisite: EPT score of 147 or higher. Expository prose writing with a focus on both content and form. Specific emphases include the exercise of logical thought and clear expression, the development of effective organizational strategies and the appropriate gathering and utilization of evidence. Includes instruction on diction, syntax and grammar, as well as the elements of prose style. Students receive credit for only one course chosen from AAS 115, AFRS 115, CAS 115, CHS 115, ENGL 115 or QS 115. Individual tutoring is available through the Learning Resource Center. (Available for General Education, Basic Skills Analytical Reading/Expository Writing.) (IC)
AFRS 151. Freshman Speech Communication (3)
Prerequisite: EPT score of 151 or higher. Introduction to the study of the human communication process, with emphasis on techniques of contemporary African-American rhetoric. Includes intensive practice in public speaking, logical reasoning and critical listening. (Cross-listed with CHS 151 and COMS 151.) (Available for General Education, Basic Skills Oral Communication.)
AFRS 158. Learning Paradigms in Pan African Studies (3)
This course is designed to explore and analyze paradigms of learning germane to the Pan African Studies discipline through intensive, interactive strategies in the classroom. The course will not only expose students to how others visualize the learning process, but it will encourage them to utilize these paradigms in their academic experience, be it skills acquisition of any variety (investigation, documentation, writing, managing time and resources strategies) or mastering content-specific issues from other courses in which they may be enrolled.
AFRS 161. American Political Institutions: A Black Perspective (3)
Examines the development and dynamics of American political institutions and political processes as they relate to the experiences of African-Americans. (Meets Title 5 requirements for Constitution of the U.S. and California State and Local Government.)
AFRS 165. Introduction to Pan Africanism (3)
Strongly recommended for all AFRS majors and minors. Examines the origin and growth of the Pan African movement from the 19th century to the present time. Critical evaluation of major Pan African ideologists and practitioners. Successes and failures of the Organization of African Unity from 1963 to the present time. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies.)
AFRS 168. Introduction to the African Diaspora (3)
Students will explore a variety of historical, theoretical, and cultural approaches to studying the African Diaspora. The assigned readings cover both the geographic and conceptual nature of the African Diaspora beginning on the African continent, moving through the Americas (North, South, and the Caribbean basin), and into Europe. It considers important issues in the construction of the African Diaspora, such as the formation of racial identities and social movements, the circulation of ideas and intellectuals, and the manner in which the intersection of race, class, gender, sexuality, location, language, and power influence how groups and individuals experience diaspora.
AFRS 171. Classical African Civilization (3)
Surveys the various great societies of Africa, covering a period from the origin of humankind in East Africa to the great Zulu Kingdom led by Chaka in the 19th century. In addition to describing the leadership, histories and achievements of African figures like Imhotep, Zoser, Ahknaten, Muhammed and Chaka, attention is given to understanding the cultures, technologies and social organization of their respective societies. (Cross-listed with HIST 145.)
AFRS 201. Economics of the African-American Community I (3)
Introduction to the operations of the U.S. economy, with special emphasis on the interrelationships between producers, consumers and governmental components. Emphasizes the economic position and economic needs of the African-American community within this system. (Available for General Education, Social Sciences.)
AFRS 204. Race and Critical Thinking (3)
Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: Completion of Freshman Composition (GE, Analytical Reading/Expository Writing.) Introduction to the basic concepts of deductive logic as a dimension of critical reasoning and the practical usage of those concepts in discussing, analyzing and critiquing ideas on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and other relevant issues of modern society. (Available for General Education, Basic Skills Critical Thinking.)
AFRS 210. Consumer Behavior in the African American Community (3)
Aimed at the development of tools and concepts necessary for the rational allocation of consumer resources. Emphasis on significant consumer decisions facing African-Americans. Evaluates government functions that affect consumers in the context of their potential impact on personal decision making. (Available for General Education, Lifelong Learning.)
AFRS 220. Psychological Environment of the African-American (3)
Study of contemporary American society and its effects on the African-American community from the perspective of basic psychological concepts and theories. (Available for General Education, Social Sciences.)
AFRS 221. Social Environment of the African-American (3)
Study of contemporary American society and its effects on the African-American community from the perspective of basic sociological concepts and theories. (Available for General Education, Social Sciences.)
AFRS 222. Elements of the Human Geography of the African-American (3)
Geography of the African-American, including customs, economics, social and political adjustments. (Available for General Education, Social Sciences.)
AFRS 226. Traditional African Cultures (3)
Comprehensive overview of the African societies and cultures from the earliest times to the 20th century. Case studies in ethnology, kinship and marriage, economic and political institutions, religion and philosophy, the arts and the interaction between the traditional African cultures and the non-African cultures. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies.)
AFRS 245. African-American Literature Since 1930 (3)
Introduction to major African-American authors from 1930 to the present. The work of Richard Wright, Margaret Walker, Gwendolyn Brooks, Ralph Ellison, John Killens, James Baldwin and LeRoi Jones are studied, as well as the works of writers who formed the Black Arts Movement that flourished during the 1970s. Focus on understanding the dynamics of African-American life through an analysis of the literature. (Available for General Education, Arts and Humanities.)
AFRS 246. Introduction to African-American Drama (3)
Chronological survey of the major works of representative African-American dramatists from 1925 to the present, with particular focus on their techniques, ideas and the cultural milieu in which the works were produced. (Available for General Education, Arts and Humanities.)
AFRS 252. Popular Culture and the Black World (3)
This course examines popular culture as it relates to the cultural transmission, inheritance, and complex relations between African origins and the irreversible scatterings of the Black diaspora. Specifically, we will examine the role of media and the arts in enabling, facilitating, or challenging the social constructions of “Blackness” in Black popular culture. The course will survey the products of popular culture in the Black world as signifiers of larger cultural forces and realities.
AFRS 271. African-American History to 1865 (3)
Survey course examining the themes and issues in the history of the African peoples in America up to 1865. (Meets Title 5 requirement in American History, Institutions and Ideals.)
AFRS 272. African-American History Since 1865 (3)
Survey in African-American history covering the period 1865 to the present. Includes the Reconstruction era, post-Reconstruction, the Negro Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, and black nationalism. (Meets Title 5 requirement in American History, Institutions and Ideals.)
AFRS 274. History of Caribbean Societies Since the 1830s (3)
Historical approach to an analysis of the political, social and economic development of the Caribbean islands after the 1830s. General focus centered on post-emancipation colonialism and the development of a particular form of neo-colonialism that manifested itself after independence. Also includes an examination of the emergence of contemporary radical political movements.
AFRS 280. Workshop in Creative Writing for Minority Students (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Introductory workshop in minority creative writing. Students learn to write in the three genres–prose fiction, drama and/or poetry. In addition, students have the opportunity to meet and work with distinguished professional minority writers. Students should consult with the instructor about the semester syllabus and Minority Literature Concentration. (Cross-listed with CHS 280 and ENGL 280.) (Available for General Education, Arts and Humanities.)
AFRS 282. African Religion in the New World (3)
Survey examination of religion as practiced by Africans once removed from their homeland of Africa. Major emphasis on the importance of religion to the development of African culture in the New World. (Available for General Education, Arts and Humanities.)
AFRS 300. Contemporary Issues in the African-American Community (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. In-depth exploration of the social, political, cultural, and economic issues in the African-American community. Provides insight on the extent to which these issues affect the black individual and family in their interaction with the majority American society. Available for Section B of the Multicultural Requirement for Credential Candidates. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies.)
AFRS 301. Economics of the African-American Community II (3)
Study of the household as a consuming unit and the firm as a producing unit, exploring factor costs, price determinatives and income distribution, with emphasis on the African-American community and its lack of control over the means of production.
AFRS 311. Black Psychology (3)
Examination of the major theories and research by black scholars addressing the development of a black psychology. Comparisons and contrasts are made with Traditional Psychology. Pan Africanist perspective is taken (i.e., African, Caribbean, etc.).
AFRS 320. African-American Personality Development (3)
Prerequisites: AFRS 220 and/or an introductory course in Psychology; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study of the psychological manifestations of oppression of the African-American. Emphasis on the understanding and analysis of psychological stress, the assessment of this phenomenon and discussion of the solutions for the creation of a positive self-concept in African-American people. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies.)
AFRS 322. African-American Family (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Summarizes structural evaluation and role formation of the family. Presents an overview of the traditional African family and socialization process. Focuses on the impact of slavery and post-slavery institutions on the formation of the black family in America. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies.)
AFRS 324. The Black Woman in Contemporary Times (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Examines the social, political and psychological forces impacting the lives of black women and focuses on their expectations, opportunities, problems and goals in contemporary society. Also studies the black woman’s contribution to the family and the community. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies.)
AFRS 325. The Black Man in Contemporary Times (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Examines the social, political and psychological forces affecting the lives of black men and focuses on their expectations, opportunities, problems and goals in contemporary society. Studies contributions of the black male and his relationships to the family, community and American society. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies.)
AFRS 331/L. African-American Religious Music: History and Literature and Gospel Lab (2/1)
Corequisite: AFRS 331L. Designed as a lab experience for gospel musicians, choir directors and singers. Study and analysis of African-American religious music, beginning with the work and spiritual songs of slavery and continuing to the present. Study and rehearsal techniques of gospel music, hymns, spirituals and anthems.
AFRS 332. African-American Music I (3)
Historical analysis of African-American music, from its beginnings in Africa until its flowering in New Orleans.
AFRS 337. Black Images on the Silver Screen (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. In-depth exploration of the history and criticism of the black image on the American screen and the social and political background from which the African-American image has developed. Emphasizes technical (how a film is composed) and critical (the meaning that can be drawn from those compositions) perspectives. (Available for General Education, Lifelong Learning.)
AFRS 344. Literature of the Caribbean and African Experience (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Examines the literatures of people in Africa and the Caribbean. Establishes the theoretical, historical, cultural and imagistic framework within which that literature operates. Thematic analysis of the literatures with respect to both their comparative experiences and their specifically different backgrounds. (Available for General Education, Arts and Humanities.)
AFRS 345. African-American Autobiography (3)
Analysis of the thematic patterns in autobiographies from the slave narrative through the present, focusing on the continuity of the African-American experiences from a psychological, sociological and historical point of view.
AFRS 345. African-American Autobiography (3)
Analysis of the thematic patterns in autobiographies from the slave narrative through the present, focusing on the continuity of the African-American experiences from a psychological, sociological and historical point of view.
AFRS 346. Contemporary Black Female Writers (3)
Prerequisites: CHS, ENGL or AFRS 155; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study of selected works by contemporary Black women writers, including Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, Ntozake Shange and Maya Angelou. Themes explored include correcting the images, movement from masking to self-revelation, male-female relationships and search for wholeness. (Available for General Education, Arts and Humanities.)
AFRS 350. Advanced Writing (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Advanced course emphasizing alternative strategies in expository writing skills development. Focus on such purposeful forms of discourse as reports, the research paper, critiques, the essay examination and selected forms of correspondence. Cursory review of grammar, mechanics and syntax is offered as needed. More intensive review of such basics are available on an individualized basis in the Writing Center. The course is equivalent to but not a substitute for ENGL 305 or BUS 305.
AFRS 361. African-American Politics (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Introduction to the politics of the African-American, including political socialization, voting, interest groups, political parties and the political behavior within the sub-cultural context. (Available for General Education, Social Sciences.)
AFRS 366. Colonialism in Africa (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Comprehensive overview of the motives of the European colonizers of Africa and the methods they used in their colonial pursuits. Consequences of the colonization of Africa and the slave trade. African liberation movements. Case studies of colonialism in specific regions and/or specific countries. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies.)
AFRS 367. African American Social Movements (3)
This course is an examination of the theory and practice of African-American social movements designed to introduce students to the various approaches and models used to study social movements and apply them to the African American experience. Theories that promulgate non-violent direct action, the use of violence and other non-systemic activity will be assessed within the context of African American movement activity. Although the focus is on the Modern Civil Rights and Black Power movements, the course also examines the early abolition and Negro Convention Movement for historical context. Contemporary grassroots activism in the African-American community and African American global initiatives, including African American involvement in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, will be examined.
AFRS 368. Politics of Hip Hop (3)
Examination of African-American youth and society through the medium of Hip Hop. This course also explores the connection between the Hip Hop community and the various political, corporate and institutional actors that influence society both locally and globally. Special emphasis is placed on the impact of Hip Hop on African identity, culture and politics. Required for the AFRS Minor.
AFRS 376. African Enslavement in the New World (3)
Comparative study of African enslavement in the Caribbean, Latin America and the U.S. Examines various patterns of enslavement in Africa, Brazil, Latin America, the West Indies and North America. Includes the examination of the transatlantic slave trade and the origins of New World enslavement. Also explores the different approaches to abolition and the nature of emancipation (freedom in the New World). (Cross-listed with HIST 355.)
AFRS 392. Sociological Foundations of Education (Elementary)(3)
Not applicable for any credential program. Introduction to the social and philosophical foundations of elementary education. Analysis of various proposals regarding the purpose, structure and conduct of elementary education. Emphasis on African-American children as their particular situation differs from other ethnic and racial groups. Includes a minimum of 30 hours of field activities.
AFRS 392A-Z. Fieldwork in the African-American Community (3)
Gives students a working knowledge of the African-American community, including its culture, problems and current efforts to solve problems in the community.
AFRS 395. Bilingualism in the African-American Community (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Explores the genesis of African-American linguistic patterns, with a focus on acquisition of Ebonics as a socio-cultural linguistic phenomenon. Available for Section C of the Multicultural Requirement for Credential Candidates.
AFRS 398. Research Methods and Paradigms in Pan African Studies (3)
Prerequisite: Upper division Standing. Introduction to paradigms, theories, and models of research on the Africana community. Emphasis will be placed on methodological, epistemological and ethical concerns related to conducting research studies on people of African descent. Other topics include sampling techniques, experimental and non-experimental designs, ethnography, and archival approaches relevant to the Africana community.
AFRS 417. Equity and Diversity in Schools (3)
Prepares teacher candidates to examine principles of educational equity, diversity and the implementation of curriculum content and school practices for elementary/secondary students. Focuses on the history and culture of a specific ethnic experience and a comparative analysis made with other ethnic groups in California. Engages students to examine, critique and reflect on their personal biases regarding children of color. (Cross-listed with AAS, ARMN, CHS and ELPS 417.)
AFRS 420. The Black Child (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Exploration of African-American childhood socialization dynamics through an examination of the forces of constraint and development. Examines theories of social development and achievement. Available for Section A of the Multicultural Requirement for Credential Candidates.
AFRS 421. Strategies for Black Child Development (3)
Prerequisite: AFRS 322 or AFRS 420. Application of the sociology of development as a conceptual framework for African-American development. Studies strategies of black community services for the black child. Explores theoretical guidelines for program planning. In addition, reviews basic professional skills for community work.
AFRS 451. Mass Communication in the African-American Community (3)
Prerequisite: Grade of “B” or better in AFRS 151 or instructor consent. Historical analysis of the role played by the mass media in the African-American community from slavery to contemporary times. Particular attention given to evaluating the African-American press.
AFRS 465. Pan Africanism: Development of An Ideology 1865-1954 (3)
In-depth look at the theoretical nexus that spawned anti-colonialism and African independence from the mid 19th century to the present.
AFRS 466A. The United Nations, the Organization of African Unity, and Africa (3-3)
Focuses on the origin, history and the OAU in African politics and the post-colonial development of the continent. Basic principles of foreign policy that operate between the various countries in Africa and how the foreign policies of non-African countries influence the activities and decisions of the OAU. Emphasizes the economics social and political security issues of the country to be represented at the Model OAU Conference.
AFRS 466B. Model Organization of African Unity Practicum (3-3)
In-depth preparation of the delegation on the specific issues on an African nation to be dealt with at the OAU Conference in Washington, D.C. Seminar with group discussions, presentations and country resolutions.
AFRS 486SOC. Social Science Career Internship (3)
Prerequisites: Upper division standing in a social or behavioral science major; Appropriate methods course as specified by the department; Instructor consent. Social and behavioral science principles are applied to the work place. Students complete learning contracts and submit written reports related to their internships. At least 9 hours per week of supervised fieldwork is required. See section on Academic Internships. (Cross-listed with GEOG 486SOC, POLS 486SOC, PSY 486SOC and SOC 486SOC.)
AFRS 488. Sustainability and Environmental Justice in African and African Diaspora Communities (3)
Prerequisite: Upper division standing. Examines sustainability from a Black perspective by exploring the challenges and prospects for sustainable development in African, African-American and other African Diaspora communities. Review of environmental degradation, restoration, preservation and conservation in selected Black communities, linkages among poverty, land tenure, environmental damage and racism as they affect Blacks. Particular attention will be given to African and African-American responses to environmental hazards. Available for graduate credit.
AFRS 490. Statistical Research and Methods in Pan African Studies (3)
Prerequisite: AFRS 398. Introduction to data analysis and research on the Pan African community. The course covers descriptive statistics, exploratory data analysis, categorical and continuous variables, probability theory, sampling, statistical inference, and regression. The course introduces a statistical software package and will involve data analysis exercises.
AFRS 496A-Z. Experimental Topics Courses in Africana Studies (3)
Course content to be determined.
AFRS 498. Proseminar in Pan African Studies (3)
Primarily restricted to students majoring in Africana Studies, but open to other students with instructor consent. Capstone course for the AFRS major, usually taken during the final semester before baccalaureate graduation. Focuses on a synthesis of the information, concepts, material and methodologies provided in previous AFRS classes. Provides intensive practice in utilizing that data in theoretical analysis and other evaluative activities.
AFRS 499A-C. Independent Study (1-3)
No course description.
AFRS 590A-Z. Selected Topics in the Advanced Studies of Afro-American Experience (3)
Prerequisite: Senior-level undergraduate or graduate standing. Advanced examination of selected themes in Pan African studies. Topics include the global dimensions of the Afro-American experience; political economy of the diaspora; Afro-Americans in the electoral process; and the African novel, drama and fiction of the 20th century, among others.
AFRS 595A-Z. Experimental Topics Courses (3)
Course content to be determined.
AFRS 600. Seminar in Pan African Research Methodologies (3)
Prerequisite: Conditional or classified graduate status, or instructor consent. Provides a thorough, intensive exploration of current theories and methodological techniques relevant to serious research on the African diasporan world. Students analyze previous research, do their own projects and participate in group discussions regarding research issues.
AFRS 601. Seminar in Applied Public Policy Issues and the Black Comparative Urban Experience (3)
Prerequisite: Conditional or classified graduate status, or instructor consent. Applied comparative public policy analysis and its consequences. Looks at selected urban environments in the U.S., South America, the Caribbean and continental Africa in terms of the urban black population in those areas. How are public policy decisions that impact those populations made? Who makes them? How and to what degree do those decisions affect the political and economic well-being of those populations?