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 want 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 Black History, Black Religion, Black Politics, Black Economics, Black Psychology, Black Sociology, Black Literature, Black Dance, and more, 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, theories, methods, methodologies, pedagogies, and philosophies. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. Available for General Education, CSUN Section F Comparative Cultural Studies. (E.S.)
AFRS 113A. Approaches to University Writing A (3)
Prerequisite: Placement in a supported GE subarea A2 Written Communication course. 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 113A. 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 Area 1A English Composition (Written Communication). (I.C.)
AFRS 114A. Approaches to University Writing A (3)
Prerequisite: Placement in a supported GE subarea A2 Written Communication course. 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: 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 114B, AFRS 114B, CAS 114B, CHS, ENGL 114B or QS 114B. Individual tutoring is available through the Africana Studies Department or the Learning Resource Center. Available for General Education, Basic Skills Area 1A English Composition (Written Communication). (I.C.)
AFRS 115. Approaches to University Writing (3)
Prerequisite: Multiple Measures Placement in GE-level writing. 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 Area 1A English Composition (Written Communication). (I.C.)
AFRS 151. Freshman Speech Communication (3)
Prerequisite: Multiple Measures Placement in GE-level writing, or completion of 113A or 114A, or completion of the lower division writing requirement. 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. Available for General Education, Basic Skills Area 1C Oral Communication. (Cross-listed with AAS 151, CAS 151, CHS 151, COMS 151 and QS 151.)
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. Available for General Education, Area 4A/B Constitution of the United States and California State and Local Government.
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 how the intersection of race, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, location, language, and power influence how groups and individuals experience the African Diaspora. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (E.S.)
AFRS 171. History of African Civilizations (3)
Surveys the various great societies of Africa, covering a period from the origin of humankind in East Africa to the great Zulu Kingdom in the 19th century. In addition to describing the leadership, histories, and achievements of African figures like Imhotep, Zoser, Akhenaten, Muhammed, and Chaka, attention is also given to understanding the culture, technologies, and social organizations of their respective societies. Not available for credit in addition to HIST 145. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (E.S.)
AFRS 201. Economics of the African American Community I (3)
Introduction to the operations of the U.S. economy, with special attention given to the interrelationships between producers, consumers, and governmental components. Emphasizes the economic position, economic needs, and solutions for the African American community within this system. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. Available for General Education, Area 4 Social and Behavioral Sciences. (E.S.)
AFRS 204. Race and Critical Thinking (3)
Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. 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 Area 1B Critical Thinking.
AFRS 220. Introduction to Black Psychology (3)
Introduction to Black Psychology from an African Centered perspective is focused on, but not limited to, the psychological effects of racism and white supremacy; the criminal justice system/prison industrial complex; drug and alcohol use; the one dimensional/biased media; and the Eurocentric educational system on the Black community. Solutions such as self-knowledge, self-identity, and holistic healing will also be discussed. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. Available for General Education, Area 4 Social and Behavioral Sciences. (E.S.)
AFRS 221. Introduction to Black Sociology (3)
Introduction to Black Sociology is focused on the social, cultural, and physical realities and the social, cultural, and physical environment of African Americans in contemporary American society from an African Centered perspective. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. Available for General Education, Area 4 Social and Behavioral Sciences. (E.S.)
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, CSUN Section F Comparative Cultural Studies.
AFRS 244. African American Literature to 1930 (3)
Survey of literature produced by Black people in the Americas (North and South) and the Caribbean to 1930 through the framework of Black empowerment. The dynamics of the Black experience in the Americas and the Caribbean are explored through their historical and cultural context, including racism and the structures of white supremacy that impact the Black experience.
AFRS 245. African American Literature Since 1930 (3)
Survey of African American literature from 1930 to the present examined through the framework of Black empowerment. The dynamics of the African American experience are explored through their historical and cultural context, including racism and the structures of white supremacy that impact the Black experience. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. Available for General Education, Area 3B Humanities. (E.S.)
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. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. Available for General Education, Area 3A Arts. (E.S.)
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 African Diaspora. Specifically, we will examine the role of media, social 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 African Diaspora as signifiers of larger cultural forces and realities.
AFRS 271. African American History to 1865 (3)
Survey in African American History up to 1865 including the MAAFA, enslavement, the Civil War, and the contributions of African people in the establishment of America. Emphasis will be placed on the resistance of African people in America and their fight against white supremacy and its manifestations. Meets the American History, Institutions and Ideals requirement.
AFRS 272. African American History Since 1865 (3)
Survey in African American History from 1865 to present including Reconstruction, Post-Reconstruction, The Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, and Black Nationalism. Emphasis will be placed on the resistance of African people in America and their fight against white supremacy and its manifestations. Meets the American History, Institutions and Ideals requirement.
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. Introduction to Creative Writing Skills and Techniques (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Introductory workshop in the skills and techniques used in creative writing from a culturally centered approach. Students learn to write in various genres including fiction, drama, poetry, and mixed genre work. Available for General Education, Area 3A Arts.
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 General Education, CSUN Section F Comparative Cultural Studies. (W.I.)
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 determinants and income distribution, with an emphasis on the African American community, its lack of control over the means of production, and solutions for the African American community within this system.
AFRS 304. Health and Wellness in Africana Communities (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. This course provides an in-depth exploration of health and wellness in Africana communities. Students will examine the ways in which racism and systematic oppression create barriers to Black health and wellness. Students will evaluate pathways for personal and collective Black healing and empowerment. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. Available for General Education, Area 4 Social and Behavioral Sciences. (E.S.) (W.I.)
AFRS 311. Black Psychology (3)
The examination of major theories and research in Black Psychology from an African Centered perspective including, but not limited to, melanin, the Black Personality, and the mental, spiritual, and physical health of Black people. African Psychology, Caribbean Psychology, Pan African Psychology, and additional psychological approaches from throughout the African World will also be examined along with various approaches to holistic healing. Meets the Ethnic Studies Requirement. (E.S.)
AFRS 320. The Black Personality (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. A Black Psychology course focused on the holistic study of the Black Personality. The roots of the Black Personality in Africa and the detrimental effects white supremacy continues to have on Black people will be covered. African Centered disorders and diagnosis are also discussed including treatment options for optimal mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical health. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. Available for General Education, CSUN Section F Comparative Cultural Studies. (E.S.) (W.I.)
AFRS 322. The Black Family (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Provides an overview of the Black family’s structure, gender dynamics, and the nurturing of future generations examined from an African Centered perspective starting from its African roots to contemporary times. The impact of the MAAFA, racial terror, structural oppression, and the system of white supremacy will be discussed through the lens of Black empowerment and resilience. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. Available for General Education, CSUN Section F Comparative Cultural Studies. (E.S.) (W.I.)
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. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. Available for General Education, CSUN Section F Comparative Cultural Studies. (E.S.) (W.I.)
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. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. Available for General Education, CSUN Section F Comparative Cultural Studies. (E.S.) (W.I.)
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. Meets the Lifelong Learning requirement. (W.I.)
AFRS 340A-Z. Selected Topics in Africana Studies (3-3)
Prerequisite: Students must be at the sophomore level to enroll in AFRS 340A-Z. This course examines the political, social and cultural history of African Americans in Los Angeles. Through readings, film, discussion and field experiences, students will uncover the significance of individuals, broader historical events and discriminatory practices on the community’s formation and evolution. Equipped with this knowledge, contemporary issues that impact the community, such as gentrification, community development and healthcare will be analyzed with the intent to offer recommendations and solutions. The course may be repeated once for credit provided the topic is different.
AFRS 343. Film, Literature and Society in Africa (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Examines African film and literature from an African cultural and historical lens. Establishes art as a critical tool of African people’s liberation and development through the framework of African agency and empowerment. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. Available for General Education, Area 3B Humanities. (E.S.) (W.I.)
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, Area 3B Humanities. (W.I.)
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. Black Women Writers (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study of the sociopolitical contexts and literary techniques of Black women writers. Themes include authors’ struggles to reconcile conflicting identities in a racist and sexist nation; the intertwining of class, gender identity, race, and sexual orientation in identity formation and politics; and how these writers portray Black women who develop and understand alternative ways of knowing and being in order to survive and thrive. Available for General Education, Area 3B Humanities. (W.I.)
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 351. The Black Aesthetic (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. This course is an in-depth exploration of the African Worldview through a concentrated focus on the theory, philosophy and methodology of the Black Aesthetic. The Black Aesthetic is the way African/Black people view, interpret and create art throughout the African World. Therefore, several manifestations of the Black Aesthetic, such as spoken word, poetry, dance, visual art, religion/spirituality, language, fashion and music, are all covered. Opportunities are also given to students to create their own pieces of art including a visual art piece, a movement piece, poetry/spoken word and more. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. Available for General Education, Area 3A Arts. (E.S.) (W.I.)
AFRS 352. The Black Novel (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. This course examines the Black Novel, or more specially novels written by peoples of African descent in America, from the beginning of this genre in 1853 to the present day from an African Centered perspective. Using African/Black culture, the African Worldview, and the Black Aesthetic as our lens for examination; we will define Black Literature and the Black Novel, and explore the presence of truth within this writing style, regardless of its classification as “fiction.” Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. Available for General Education, Area 3B Humanities. (E.S.) (W.I.)
AFRS 361. African American Politics (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Survey of the politics of the African American community, including, but not limited to, political socialization, voting, interest groups, political parties, and the political behavior within the sub-cultural context. Available for General Education, Area 4 Social and Behavioral Sciences. (W.I.)
AFRS 362. Diversity and Public Policy (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Recommended Preparatory: Introductory level course in history and government (Title 5). This course will examine how issues of race, gender, class and sexuality factor into the public policy process. Issues related to voting rights, welfare, criminal justice, affirmative action, reproductive health, and equity pay will be the focus. Political representation and historic context also play important roles and will be addressed in the discussions on unconventional political activism oriented toward impacting systemic policy, as well as other empowerment tools. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (ES)
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. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. Available for General Education, CSUN Section F Comparative Cultural Studies. (E.S.) (W.I.)
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. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (ES)
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 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. African American Language (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. This course explores African American language and linguistic patterns within Black communities as a sociocultural linguistic phenomenon from their genesis to contemporary status. Linguistic profiling and anti-Black racism, linguistic justice, and language policies are examined.
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. Not available for credit in addition to AAS 417, ARMN 417, CHS 417 or 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. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (E.S.)
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 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)
Independent Study
AFRS 595A-Z. Experimental Topics Courses (3)
Course content to be determined.