intro to african studeds
Directions:
Each student is required to respond to each question as thoroughly as possible, evidencing that you have read and interpreted the reading(s) that address the questions. Each answer should adhere to the minimum paragraph requirements (see each question). Your answers must be in your own words and you must use appropriate citation style to cite sentences taken from the text. (If you are unclear about how to cite sources, this week would be a good time to discuss with me or the writing tutor on campus).
Try to answer each question in the order in which it is given and to the best of your ability. Be thorough and creative! The total assignment should span between two (2) and four (4) typed double-spaced pages and should be written in Times New Roman 12-point font within 1-inch margins; while I have given the page range as a guideline, I am more concerned with the quality of the work instead of the quantity. So do your best and try to enjoy it.
Please use the course resources to respond to the questions and not Wikipedia and other online sources. All TSU classes use Turnitin which gauges the sources for assignments and papers for each student. So please be mindful of this process.
Questions:
1. What is Black power and what is Carmichael’s rationalization for Black power? To what is Black power attempting to respond? For full credit you must first explain the racism and colonialism. You must then explain Black power and the two steps to bring about Black power, according to Carmichael’s work. (Your response must be at least one page double-spaced)
2. Reflect on the origins of Africana (Black) Studies within the Western academy. Describe the emergence of Black Studies at SF State, a Predominately White Institution (PWI). What were the social and academic concerns of the students and why? What were the specific demands of the Black Students Union and why? In responding to this question, you must include a discussion of Black power, the BSU, the academic and social concerns of the students and the intentions of the college/university in the development of the discipline at SF state institutions.
Be creative here. See: Carmichael’s “Black Power,” T’Shaka, Oba “Africana Studies Department History” and Bunzel, John. “Black Studies at San Francisco State.” (Your response must be at least one page double-spaced)
3. What is the relationship between the two steps process in Black Power and the two phases of Black Studies according to Hare. First, who is Nathan Hare and what was his role in the creation of the Africana Studies department at SFSC? Second, discuss the two phases of Black Studies according to Hare and the curriculum/course and how these phases reflect Carmichael’s two step process towards Black Power. (Your response must be at least one page double-spaced)
4. What is the role of European Americans within Black Studies as professors and students, according to Hare? What does it mean to deracicize white students? Be clear and specific. See: Hare, Nathan. “Questions and Answers About Black Studies.” You only need to read Hare to answer this question here. The term is explained in the reading. (Your response must be at least one to two full paragraphs)
5. Given Hare’s two phases of Black Studies and the initial curriculum, what should be the purpose and necessity of Black/Africana Studies today and is the discipline still necessary? Isn’t overt and covert racism over and haven’t so many African American achieved the middle class? And are not college students well aware of Africana history, culture and experiences today? So why would Africana Studies still be important? Be creative here. For full credit you must support your ideas from ALL of the readings. (Your response must be at least one to two full paragraphs)
