Afro-American Studies Curriculum

Afro-American Studies Curriculum

Introducing Afro American studies to the university.

Introducing Afro American studies to the university through professor Micheal Kay.

Pat Curi

Quad Angels

Special Collections, Francis Harvey Green Library, West Chester University

December 10, 1968

Olivia Smith

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Academia Afro-American studies curriculum By PAT CUR I m an attempt to keep in step with contemporary developments and trends in education, W.C.S.C. initiated an Afro-American studies curriculum this fall. The two courses being offered "The History of the American Negro" and the "History of Modern Africa," have initiated study in relatively new fields: that of the historical study of Africa, divorced from European influences, and the study of the black population in America. Many student groups have felt that the lack of courses dealing with black history sociology, and literature was downplaying an important facet of the nation's culture. Ignoring the contributions of minority groups and shelving attempts to understanding the part they play on the American scene could only lead to greater frustrations in campatible living and an unrealistic view of the envolvement of the American culture. The emphasis places on the need for better race relations was further strengthened by the nationwide uproars following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. History of the American Negro Richard Wrights "Native Son", "The Autobiography of Malcolm X," and "The Strange Career of Jim crow," by C.Vann Woodward, are a few of the selections that occupy the interest of students in Dr. Marvin L. Kay's course, "The History of the American Negro." Many students have placed an emphasis on the study of the Negro and his history in the American culture although as Dr. Kay has aptly put it, "Any course in African history is important in itself for a more comprehensive understanding of what significant changes occur there and in their relation to the black in America and to his behavior as a reaction to these Students Evaluate Carol S. Moore, a senior elementary major and a black student of the college who has motivation "to learn something of my own culture," feels that one of the advantages of the course is the emphasis placed on critical reading. "You learn to look at both sides of the question," she said, "as well as where an argument might lose continuity." Although she'd like to see more students enrolled in the course, she has felt that the advantage of the smaller group has led to more stimulated thinking by a greater participation in the discussions.Fran Hayes, an urban education major, is involved in the course as a concerned individual who "sees a necessity for understanding modern times in view of its historical basis—such as the rise of the black power movementits courses, necessity, or inevitability—'why did it happen?' "She feels that It is essential to get a thorough background in history which "fills in the gaps and balances out "what has been lacking in the cognitive process. The advantage she relates is the understandingunderstanding of the black man in America devoid of traditional stereotyles. she doesn't believe the course will need any basic improvements. "It's a supergroove,- said Fran. History of Modern Africa This course, taught by Mr. Charles H. Stuart, sets African development, prior to the fifteenth century, in an historical context of its own, and not as an extension of European history. In the development of this history there is not a wealth of documented material, so as Mr. Stuart has stated, "You must rely upon other than written date, such as archeological, anthropological and botanical information.'' He feels that studies of the historical development of the Negro in America and in Africa should receive equal interest since they treat of different and distinct emphases. Mr. Stuart believes that there are many areas opening for students who also have a knowledge of non-western as well as a world cultures major echoes Mr. Stuart in stressing the importance of nonwestern history for a broad cultural background. Development of Studies Development in the Afro-American department could extend from courses in regional studies such as Western Africa, to the addition of swahili in the language department. A new literature course is also being planned for the near future by Mr. Matthews of the English department.