Fall Courses 2007
AFR 101 African-American Studies 4 SM M PLUMMER
Explores several of the possible historical, sociological, cultural, and political avenues of study in the broad interdisciplinary spectrum of
African-American studies. Provides an introductory overview of the field and offers an opportunity to identify areas for more specific focus.
AFR 109 Foundations of Black Culture 4 SM N CHAND-SMITH
Studies music, literature, visual and performing arts, and other cultural and artistic traditions as they have evolved among African, African-American,
and Caribbean peoples.
AFR 112 Jazz 4 SM E PRICE
Examines the evolution of the creative improvisational musical styles commonly called jazz, from its African-American roots to its status as one of
America's classical musics and an internationally valued art form. Explores the contributions of African and European musical traditions and
African-American spirituals, work songs, and blues. Examines major contributors and stylistic development and change through selected audio and audio-visual
presentations. Also considers the sociocultural dynamics that have affected musical evolution and acceptance.
MUS 112 Jazz 4 SM E PRICE
Examines the evolution of the creative improvisational musical styles commonly called jazz, from its African-American roots to its status as one of
America's classical musics and an internationally valued art form. Explores the contributions of African and European musical traditions and
African-American spirituals, work songs, and blues. Examines major contributors and stylistic development and change through selected audio and audio-visual
presentations. Also considers the sociocultural dynamics that have affected musical evolution and acceptance.
AFR 135 Coltrane 4 SM L BROWN
Studies the life of John Coltrane, recognized as one of the greatest musicians of all time. Presents, in a chronological sequence, his growing up in a Black
North Carolina community during the era of U.S. apartheid to becoming a world-class artist whose music touched the hearts and souls of listeners all around
the globe. His advanced and innovative conceptions (melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic) and stylistic contributions in and to the realm of African-American
creative improvisation changed the way to play the music forever. Emphasizes his immense impact on jazz and other improvisational music and expressive art
forms, as well as his spiritual legacy, which focused on using music as a force for the improvement of humanity. His musical and spiritual legacy continue
as major influences in current times.
MUS 135 Coltrane 4 SM L BROWN
Studies the life of John Coltrane, recognized as one of the greatest musicians of all time. Presents, in a chronological sequence, his growing up in a Black
North Carolina community during the era of U.S. apartheid to becoming a world-class artist whose music touched the hearts and souls of listeners all around
the globe. His advanced and innovative conceptions (melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic) and stylistic contributions in and to the realm of African-American
creative improvisation changed the way to play the music forever. Emphasizes his immense impact on jazz and other improvisational music and expressive art
forms, as well as his spiritual legacy, which focused on using music as a force for the improvement of humanity. His musical and spiritual legacy continue
as major influences in current times.
AFR 140 Introduction to African American History 4 SM K GREENIDGE
Surveys the development of African Americans in the United States from their African background to the present. Covers medieval and early modern societies
in West and Central Africa; the transatlantic slave trade; the evolution of slavery from the colonial period through the Civil War; free blacks;
Reconstruction; migration; civil rights; and black nationalism. Considers gender relations throughout the entire period and emphasizes how an historical
perspective helps to inform discussions of contemporary issues.
HST 140 Introduction to African American History 4 SM K GREENIDGE
Surveys the development of African Americans in the United States from their African background to the present. Covers medieval and early modern societies
in West and Central Africa; the transatlantic slave trade; the evolution of slavery from the colonial period through the Civil War; free blacks;
Reconstruction; migration; civil rights; and black nationalism. Considers gender relations throughout the entire period and emphasizes how an historical
perspective helps to inform discussions of contemporary issues.
AFR 185 Gender in the African Diaspora 4 SM N CODY
Studies variations in gender roles throughout the African Diaspora, from precolonial Africa to the modern United States. Areas of the African Diaspora
include Africa, the West Indies, Latin America, Europe, and the Islamic world. Issues include sexuality, labor, reproduction, and social constructions of
gender.
AFR 270 Economic Status of Ethnic Minorities 4 SM J WARREN
Examines the economic conditions and processes as they impact minorities within the U.S. economy. Considers the role of national economic policies
undertaken to address general economic and social conditions, as well as policies targeted at minority markets and institutions. Emphasis is on empirical
analysis; historical and cultural materials may be incorporated.
ECN 270 Economic Status of Ethnic Minorities 4 SM J WARREN
Examines the economic conditions and processes as they impact minorities within the U.S. economy. Considers the role of national economic policies
undertaken to address general economic and social conditions, as well as policies targeted at minority markets and institutions. Emphasis is on empirical
analysis; historical and cultural materials may be incorporated.
AFR 307 Africa Today 4 SM J GEBRE-MEDHIN
Studies the complex political and social picture of Africa. Examines some of the salient features of black art, politics, and identity in Africa.
AFR 337 African-American History before 1900 4 SM L LEE
Covers the development of black America from slavery through the Booker T. Washington-W. E. B. DuBois controversy, with emphasis on the historical links
between Africa and America that have shaped the African-American experience. Includes in-depth discussion of slavery’s impact, the role of the antebellum
free black, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the black response to the new racism of the late nineteenth century.
HST 337 African-American History before 1900 4 SM L LEE
Covers the development of black America from slavery through the Booker T. Washington-W. E. B. DuBois controversy, with emphasis on the historical links
between Africa and America that have shaped the African-American experience. Includes in-depth discussion of slavery’s impact, the role of the antebellum
free black, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the black response to the new racism of the late nineteenth century.
AFR 339 Analysis of American Racism 4 SM R CHANDLER
Discusses the cycle by which racism in our institutions helps form our attitudes and the manner in which our attitudes, in turn, shape our institutions.
Emphasizes the practical, day-to-day aspects of racism, rather than the theoretical and historical.
INT 339 Analysis of American Racism 4 SM R CHANDLER
Discusses the cycle by which racism in our institutions helps form our attitudes and the manner in which our attitudes, in turn, shape our institutions.
Emphasizes the practical, day-to-day aspects of racism, rather than the theoretical and historical.
AFR 360 Politics of Poverty 4 SM R HALL
Explores how and why there is poverty, how it affects people’s lives, and how it can be eliminated. Examines the relations between poverty, racial and
ethnic factors, and the economic, political, and administrative systems. Evaluates a number of alternatives and provides an opportunity for clarifying
individual assumptions and feelings about poverty.
POL 360 Politics of Poverty 4 SM R HALL
Explores how and why there is poverty, how it affects people’s lives, and how it can be eliminated. Examines the relations between poverty, racial and
ethnic factors, and the economic, political, and administrative systems. Evaluates a number of alternatives and provides an opportunity for clarifying
individual assumptions and feelings about poverty.
AFR 399 Black Community and Social Change 4 SM M MASON
Explores the dynamic changes experienced by black communities in the United States since the civil rights era in the 1950s and 1960s. Includes discussions
and applications of key concepts and methods in several fields of the social sciences, and seeks to understand the relationship of race, class, gender, and
social change in addressing the current search for policies and programs for community development.
AFR 441 Third World Political Relation 4 SM J GEBRE-MEDHIN
Offers a comparative regional analysis of the political systems of Third World nations of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Emphasis is on
development strategies; problems of development, including national identity, political socialization and participation, national defense, and urbanization;
and the positions of Third World nations in the international community.
POL 441 Third World Political Relation 4 SM J GEBRE-MEDHIN
Offers a comparative regional analysis of the political systems of Third World nations of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Emphasis is on
development strategies; problems of development, including national identity, political socialization and participation, national defense, and urbanization;
and the positions of Third World nations in the international community.
AFR 460 Contemporary Government and Politics in Africa 4 SM K PANFORD
Explores contemporary politics in African nations south of the Sahara. Studies South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia, among others. Examines apartheid,
colonialism, Afro-Marxism, chieftaincy, development, and Pan-Africanism.
POL 460 Contemporary Government and Politics in Africa 4 SM K PANFORD
Explores contemporary politics in African nations south of the Sahara. Studies South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia, among others. Examines apartheid,
colonialism, Afro-Marxism, chieftaincy, development, and Pan-Africanism.
AFR 500 Arts of the African Diaspora 4 SM R CHANDLER
Traces the historical development of the art forms and production practices of the African Diaspora, from traditional to contemporary styles in Africa, the
Americas, and elsewhere in the African Diaspora. Emphasizes the study of art objects, the historical and social context in which aesthetic issues are
shaped, and the impact of religion and external forces on creativity. Uses lectures, critiques, discussions, fieldwork, and hands-on interaction with art
objects.
ART 500 Arts of the African Diaspora 4 SM R CHANDLER
Traces the historical development of the art forms and production practices of the African Diaspora, from traditional to contemporary styles in Africa, the
Americas, and elsewhere in the African Diaspora. Emphasizes the study of art objects, the historical and social context in which aesthetic issues are
shaped, and the impact of religion and external forces on creativity. Uses lectures, critiques, discussions, fieldwork, and hands-on interaction with art
objects.
AFR 911 Jazz Ensemble 4 SM J SMITH
Designed to serve both music majors and nonmajors, this is a performance/theory/history offering of the varied styles and techniques of performance in the
jazz tradition of African-American musics. Students are admitted to the course by permission of the instructor following an interview and/or audition.
Students are drawn from all segments of the University. Repertory is taken from the standard jazz literature as well as investigations of new works.
Improvisational and interpretational technique is the core content of the course. Both the NU Jazz Ensemble and the NU Jazz Combo are represented in this
course.
MUS 911 Jazz Ensemble 4 SM J SMITH
Designed to serve both music majors and nonmajors, this is a performance/theory/history offering of the varied styles and techniques of performance in the
jazz tradition of African-American musics. Students are admitted to the course by permission of the instructor following an interview and/or audition.
Students are drawn from all segments of the University. Repertory is taken from the standard jazz literature as well as investigations of new works.
Improvisational and interpretational technique is the core content of the course. Both the NU Jazz Ensemble and the NU Jazz Combo are represented in this
course.
AFR 924 Directed Study 4 SM R HALL
Offers independent work under the direction of members of the department on a chosen topic. Course content depends on instructor.
Spring Courses 2008
AFR 104 Survey of African-American Music 4 SM E PRICE
Explores the various musical traditions of African Americans, with a specific focus on the United States. Examines the impact of African, European, and
Native American traditions on African-American music as well as the role of music as an expression of African-American aesthetics, traditions, and life.
Considers historical and contemporary forms of African-American musics, with selected video presentations of musical styles.
MUS 104 Survey of African-American Music 4 SM E PRICE
Explores the various musical traditions of African Americans, with a specific focus on the United States. Examines the impact of African, European, and
Native American traditions on African-American music as well as the role of music as an expression of African-American aesthetics, traditions, and life.
Considers historical and contemporary forms of African-American musics, with selected video presentations of musical styles.
AFR 128 Music of Africa 4 SM L BROWN
Surveys various African musical traditions with respect to their historical, social, and cultural heritage. Examines traditional and contemporary African
musics, instruments, and performance traditions.
MUS 128 Music of Africa 4 SM L BROWN
Surveys various African musical traditions with respect to their historical, social, and cultural heritage. Examines traditional and contemporary African
musics, instruments, and performance traditions.
MUS 208 Jazz Improvisation 4 SM J SMITH
Focuses on repertory as well as performance. Examines the great improvisational artists in American music, such as Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and John
Coltrane. Approaches analysis from a theoretical as well as a practical perspective. Explores the use of rhythm, chords, scales, and modes in the creative
improvisation process.
AFR 208 Jazz Improvisation 4 SM J SMITH
Focuses on repertory as well as performance. Examines the great improvisational artists in American music, such as Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and John
Coltrane. Approaches analysis from a theoretical as well as a practical perspective. Explores the use of rhythm, chords, scales, and modes in the creative
improvisation process.
AFR 301 Foundations of Black Culture 2 4 SM R CHANDLER
Continues AFR U109. Provides an interdisciplinary approach to the cultural production of African-based traditions in the Americas and elsewhere in the
African Diaspora. Forms of cultural production include film, theatre, the visual arts, literary arts, and dance. While several issues in theory and practice
in the arts are discussed, emphasis is on the ways in which an African-based tradition is rooted in the intellectual and cultural histories of African
descendants in the United States, the Caribbean, South and Central America, and Great Britain.
AFR 337 African-American History before 1900 4 SM L LEE
Covers the development of black America from slavery through the Booker T. Washington-W. E. B. DuBois controversy, with emphasis on the historical links
between Africa and America that have shaped the African-American experience. Includes in-depth discussion of slavery’s impact, the role of the antebellum
free black, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the black response to the new racism of the late nineteenth century.
HST 337 African-American History before 1900 4 SM L LEE
Covers the development of black America from slavery through the Booker T. Washington-W. E. B. DuBois controversy, with emphasis on the historical links
between Africa and America that have shaped the African-American experience. Includes in-depth discussion of slavery’s impact, the role of the antebellum
free black, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the black response to the new racism of the late nineteenth century.
AFR 344 Contemporary Black Politics 4 SM M MASON
Analyzes the evolution of black political thought in the United States and examines the sociopolitical contexts that have served as catalysts to modern
black political movements.
POL 344 Contemporary Black Politics 4 SM M MASON
Analyzes the evolution of black political thought in the United States and examines the sociopolitical contexts that have served as catalysts to modern
black political movements.
AFR 391 Modern African Civilization 4 SM J GEBRE-MEDHIN
Explores African history and culture from the early 1500s to the present era. Emphasizes the relationship between Europe and Africa, the circumstances
surrounding the imperialist partition of Africa, and the decolonization process.
HST 391 Modern African Civilization 4 SM J GEBRE-MEDHIN
Explores African history and culture from the early 1500s to the present era. Emphasizes the relationship between Europe and Africa, the circumstances
surrounding the imperialist partition of Africa, and the decolonization process.
AFR 424 Black Pandemics/Epidemiology of Disease 4 SM K WAMAI
Examines the role of disease and medicine among continental African peoples and African-derived populations in the Americas and elsewhere in the African
Diaspora. Emphasis is on such epidemic diseases as malaria, yellow fever, smallpox, and the current AIDS pandemic. Also explores the susceptibilities and
resistances (both acquired and inherited) to certain diseases among particular populations within the African Diaspora.
AFR 460 Contemporary Government and Politics in Africa 4 SM J GEBRE-MEDHIN
Explores contemporary politics in African nations south of the Sahara. Studies South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia, among others. Examines apartheid,
colonialism, Afro-Marxism, chieftaincy, development, and Pan-Africanism.
POL 460 Contemporary Government and Politics in Africa 4 SM J GEBRE-MEDHIN
Explores contemporary politics in African nations south of the Sahara. Studies South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia, among others. Examines apartheid,
colonialism, Afro-Marxism, chieftaincy, development, and Pan-Africanism.
AFR 600 Contemporary Issues: Race, Science, and Technology 4 SM R CHANDLER
Examines the social impact of diverse forms of technological development and application that will have sweeping effects on the everyday lives of
individuals, groups, governments, and societies in the twenty-first century. The global, transforming effects of technology as it affects communities of
color in the United States and internationally are explored in three main areas: the computer, DNA, and quantum revolutions. Topics include the digital
divide, minority media ownership, human cloning, the "dot.com" phenomenon, race and cultural representations in cyberspace, and biopiracy.
Lectures, class discussions, fieldwork, and interaction with leaders in these various fields are integral elements of the course.
INT 600 Contemporary Issues: Race, Science, and Technology 4 SM R CHANDLER
Examines the social impact of diverse forms of technological development and application that will have sweeping effects on the everyday lives of
individuals, groups, governments, and societies in the twenty-first century. The global, transforming effects of technology as it affects communities of
color in the United States and internationally are explored in three main areas: the computer, DNA, and quantum revolutions. Topics include the digital
divide, minority media ownership, human cloning, the "dot.com" phenomenon, race and cultural representations in cyberspace, and biopiracy.
Lectures, class discussions, fieldwork, and interaction with leaders in these various fields are integral elements of the course.
AFR 645 National Model OAU/African Union 4 SM K PANFORD
Offers students the opportunity to participate in teams and conduct research on political issues in assigned nations and then represent those nations in a
model African Union role-playing exercise in Washington, D.C. Focuses on intra-African relations and the roles of Africans in international affairs,
emphasizing the new African Union (AU) that replaced the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Examines the Pan-Africanist origins, challenges, and
achievements of the African Union.
POL 919 National Model OAU/African Union 4 SM K PANFORD
Offers students the opportunity to participate in teams and conduct research on political issues in assigned nations and then represent those nations in a
model African Union role-playing exercise in Washington, D.C. Focuses on intra-African relations and the roles of Africans in international affairs,
emphasizing the new African Union (AU) that replaced the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Examines the Pan-Africanist origins, challenges, and
achievements of the African Union.
AFR 663 Early African-American Literature 4 SM E DILLON
Surveys the development and range of black American writers, emphasizing poetry and prose from early colonial times to the Civil War.
ENG 663 Early African-American Literature 4 SM E DILLON
Surveys the development and range of black American writers, emphasizing poetry and prose from early colonial times to the Civil War.
AFR 700 Advanced Seminar 4 SM R HALL
Offers students the opportunity to prepare a professional research paper under the close supervision of a scholar interested in students' particular
research areas. The senior thesis is required of all African-American studies majors. Fulfills experiential education requirement.
AFR 911 Jazz Ensemble 4 SM J SMITH
Designed to serve both music majors and nonmajors, this is a performance/theory/history offering of the varied styles and techniques of performance in the
jazz tradition of African-American musics. Students are admitted to the course by permission of the instructor following an interview and/or audition.
Students are drawn from all segments of the University. Repertory is taken from the standard jazz literature as well as investigations of new works.
Improvisational and interpretational technique is the core content of the course. Both the NU Jazz Ensemble and the NU Jazz Combo are represented in this
course.
MUS 911 Jazz Ensemble 4 SM J SMITH
Designed to serve both music majors and nonmajors, this is a performance/theory/history offering of the varied styles and techniques of performance in the
jazz tradition of African-American musics. Students are admitted to the course by permission of the instructor following an interview and/or audition.
Students are drawn from all segments of the University. Repertory is taken from the standard jazz literature as well as investigations of new works.
Improvisational and interpretational technique is the core content of the course. Both the NU Jazz Ensemble and the NU Jazz Combo are represented in this
course.
Please contact the registrar's office for registration information.
Dr. Leonard Brown and students.
Model AU
Dr. Panford on his trip to Germany in 2003
Taken during Dr. Panford's trip to Germany.
Dr. Panford on his trip to Germany in 2003