Spring 2026 Class Descriptions
- Spring 2026 Class Schedule
SPRING 2026 course descriptions
101-8-20 – First Year Writing Seminar:
Small, writing and discussion-oriented course exploring a specific topic or theme, and focused on the fundamentals of effective, college-level written communication. Not eligible to be applied towards a WCAS major or minor except where specifically indicated. Topic varies by instructor
210-0-20 – Introduction to African American Literature
Literature of Black people in the United States from slavery to freedom. Works of major writers and significant but unsung bards of the past. ENGLISH 266-0 and BLK_ST 210-0 are taught together.
212-2-20 – Introduction to African American History 2: Emancipation to Civil Rights Movement
Emancipation to the civil rights era. Reconstruction, rise of legal segregation, strategies of resistance, migration, and urbanization. AF_AM_ST 212-2 and HISTORY 212-2 are taught together; may not receive credit for both courses.
236-0-20 – Introduction to Black Studies
Introduction to the discipline of black studies using key historical and theoretical texts.
250-0-20 – Introduction to Black Studies
Introduction to scholarship and key theories that treat race, class, and gender as intersecting social constructs. Race, class, and gender in work, family and reproduction, education, poverty, sexuality, and consumer culture. How race, class, and gender inform identity, ideology, and politics to incite social change.
331-0-20 – The African American Novel
Readings in classic black American fiction. The author as creator and participant. Works of Wright, Ellison, Baldwin, and others. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.
380-0-20 – Topics in Black Studies:
Advanced work on social, cultural, or historical topics. May be repeated for credit with different topic. Prerequisite: Advanced student or senior standing.
380-0-21 – Topics in Black Studies:
Advanced work on social, cultural, or historical topics. May be repeated for credit with different topic. Prerequisite: Advanced student or senior standing.
380-0-22 – Topics in Black Studies:
Advanced work on social, cultural, or historical topics. May be repeated for credit with different topic. Prerequisite: Advanced student or senior standing.
380-0-23 – Topics in Black Studies:
Advanced work on social, cultural, or historical topics. May be repeated for credit with different topic. Prerequisite: Advanced student or senior standing.
380-0-24 – Topics in Black Studies:
Advanced work on social, cultural, or historical topics. May be repeated for credit with different topic. Prerequisite: Advanced student or senior standing.
402-0-20 – Theorizing Black Genders and Sexualities
Examines the multiple and changing meanings and political effects of gender and sexuality on Black identity in different socio-cultural contexts. Puts in dialogue global Black feminist theory and Black queer theory through the discussion of topics such as: slavery, colonialism, diaspora, citizenship, activism, labor, kinship, desire, art, reproduction, violence, and others.
480-0-20 – Graduate Topics:
Explores special topics pertinent to Black Studies. Content changes with instructor.
480-0-21 – Graduate Topics:
Explores special topics pertinent to Black Studies. Content changes with instructor.
480-0-22 – Graduate Topics:
Explores special topics pertinent to Black Studies. Content changes with instructor.