Black Creative Expression: An Introduction to Africana Studies
This course explores how across the African diaspora, Black creative expression has served as an exemplar for timely, relevant, and even futuristic articulations of joy, concern, aspiration, and expectation. Inclusive of African, Caribbean, AfroLatinidad, and African American creative voices, the course will explore excerpts of canonical works through three interpretive lenses: the message, the messenger(s), and the approach used to communicate. Students will be introduced to the discipline of Africana studies in a method that will show the field's rich contributions to the study of arts and cultures. In addition, students will explore the brilliant, resilient and demonstrative hope of Black creative expression with emphasis on music, dance, and theater.