Instructor: Brandon Harrison Phone: 803.699.2800 x. 79770

Email: brharrison@richland2.org Room: C-107

Tutoring: After school or during lunch

Course Description

This course explores the structure and dynamics of African Americans in the United States of America and around the world. The African-American experience spans over hundreds of years, from creating/establishing great African kingdoms, to the initial settlement of the American continent by Europeans and the establishment of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, and down through the present day. The people of African descent who were brought involuntarily to this country found the courage and creativity to endure and overcome. They created their own new, unique rituals, traditions and symbols; a distinct SPIRITUALITY, MUSIC, ART, SCIENCE, DANCE and POLITICAL ACTION; a rich cultural heritage of kinship and community. We will explore the contradictory nature of American Democracy, institutional racism, and the position of black people within the United States.

This introductory course is largely constructed around the voices and language used by black people themselves. The course is organized chronologically, with an emphasis on the ideas of black social thought, political protest and efforts to initiate social change. ALL CENTERED AROUND HIP HOP MUSIC AND CONTEMPORARY CULTURE. This course will cover a wide spectrum of African-American leaders, intellectuals, organizations and institutions. Focusing on the following goals: the elimination of racism, economic equality, gender equality, and the realization of democratic rights and greater social fairness within American society.

Let the Journey BEGIN!