AFST 2600 - Introduction to Africana Studies 1
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 40002,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Patrick Spearman
Email: ptspearman@ysu.edu
Course Description
2600. Introduction to Africana Studies 1. The social-historical and intellectual heritage of black people in Africa and the Americas. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | The Autobiography of Malcolm X | Malcolm X and Alex Haley | 1684220408 |
| Required | Before the Mayflower | Lerone Bennett | 0345350685 |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Syllabus | Course Requirements and Assignments | First Day of Class Quiz |
| 8/31 | Black Studies Article Karenga: pp. 1 - 30 |
What is Black/Africana Studies? | Reaction Paper 1 |
| 9/7 | Karenga: Chapter 1 cont. | What are the major thrusts of Africana Studies? | Reaction Paper 2 |
| 9/14 | Bennett: Chapter 1 | What contributions have Africa and Africans made to the world? | Reaction Paper 3 |
| 9/21 | Malcolm X: Chapters 1-2 | How did Malcolm's parents impact his worldview? | Reaction Paper 4 |
| 9/28 | Malcolm X: Chapters 3-4 | How did Malcolm's worldview change in Mason and Boston? | Reaction Paper 5 |
| 10/5 | Karenga: Black Sociology | How is Black Sociology an emancipatory social science? | Educational Autobiography |
| 10/12 | Malcolm X: Chapter 5-6 | How did Harlem impact Malcolm's worldview? | Exam I |
| 10/19 | Malcolm X: Chapters 7-9 | How did Boston Impact Malcolm's Worldview? | Reaction Paper 6 |
| 10/26 | Karenga: Black Religion Malcolm X: 10-12 |
What role did religion play in Malcolm's worldview? | Reaction Paper 7 |
| 11/2 | Karenga: Black Poltics Malcolm X: 13-14 |
What is Black Politics? | Reaction Paper 8 |
| 11/9 | Karenga: Black Psychology Malcolm X: Chapters 15-16 |
Are Black People suffering from mental illness? | Educational Biography |
| 11/16 | Karenga: Black Creative Production Malcolm X: Chapters 17-18 |
What makes Black Art Black? | Reaction Paper 9 |
| 11/23 | Black Creative Production Cont. Malcolm X: 19 |
What is the Black Aesthetic? | Action Research Project |
| 11/30 | Malcolm X: Epilogue | Where do we go from here? | Reaction Paper 10 |
| 12/7 | Final Exam Week | Final Exam |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.