HIST 314 - Africa and American Connection

The purpose of this course is to investigate cultural continuities between Africa and the African Diaspora by looking at how history shaped the development of distinct cultural practices on both sides of the Atlantic. We will explore the dispersal of African people through the Middle Passage and the development of new cultural constructs during the period of slavery. Students will become familiar with the major debates on the study of culture and identity for people of African descent in the New World and current research on African influences in American culture. Possible topics include African retentions in Gullah culture of South Carolina, the Blues and its West African roots, and the emergence of Voodoo in Haiti and Louisiana. Courses 300-399 are advanced in material and/or approach and ordinarily taken by juniors and seniors. Alternate years. (4 Credits)