African-American Studies

My Goal in This Class

My goal in this class is twofold. I would like to learn more about African-American history in general because the topic is very interesting to me, and I feel it is important to know about our culture and our history. In addition, I feel that the topic of black American slavery has changed the culture and society of our country from the very start, and that it has had a profound affect on our country and our people, and I would like to learn more about that, too. That in turn leads to a discussion of civil rights and the continuing fight for equal consideration and equal opportunities. Even today, there are barriers between black and white, rich and poor, and natives and non-natives. I would like to get a bigger grasp on what causes these differences and why they cannot seem to be overcome in our culture and around the world.

One way to achieve these goals is to read more literature and historic accounts of the African-American struggle for freedom. However, this leads to the need for a greater understanding of African-American's roots in Africa, which is one reason we read books such as Chinua Achebe's classic novel about the Igbo's struggle under British rule, "Things Fall Apart." To understand African-Americans we must understand where they came from, what they gave up (besides of course their freedom), and what they hoped for. I believe that understanding more about the roots of this culture can only create more acceptance and tolerance among all people.

Finally, I hope to achieve a good grade in this class! It is an interesting topic to me, and I feel that I will get a lot out of learning more about African-American culture, society, and historical context. I know that black Americans have a colorful and varied history of triumphs and failures, and I think this class will give me a stronger foundation of knowledge to build my own thoughts and ideas regarding African-American culture and experience. I know there is much more to the history than slavery and civil rights, and I hope to come to a better understanding of the entire culture, history, and hopes of black Americans and what that culture has in store for the future.