ANTH-380 African Cultures in the Americas

Faculty:

Mikell, Gwendolyn

Using anthropological approaches, this course examines the basic similarities and regional variations in African-derived cultures within the Americas. After a survey of key African cultural principles in family life, gender roles, supernatural belief systems, and aesthetic forms, we investigate the extent to which these principles survived in the New World. We account for unique developments in Caribbean, Latin American, and coastal U.S. black cultures by observing how differences in the plantation economies, racial hierarchies, and historical experiences affected African peoples. Lastly, we use visual and sound media to show how black music and art forms integrate these cultural elements while still generating innovative styles. Examples will be drawn from Brazil, Haiti, Jamaica, Ecuador-Columbia, and the coastal U.S.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: SOCI-001, ANTH-001 or premission of Instructor

Other academic years
There is information about this course number in other academic years:

• 2004-2005 Fall and Spring
• 2006-2007 Fall and Spring
• 2007-2008 Fall and Spring
• 2009-2010 Fall and Spring
• 2010-2011 Fall and Spring
• 2011-2012 Fall and Spring
• 2012-2013 Fall and Spring
• 2013-2014 Fall and Spring

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