This course exposes students to the key figures, texts and concepts that constitute Black Feminism. In this course we will establish a solid understanding of Black feminist thought and related theoretical concepts by exploring the lived experiences of Black women. We will develop a historical understanding of Black feminism and how it supports intersectionality. We will assess new schools of thought like hip-hop feminism and trace the influence of Black feminism in critical race theory and Women's Studies as a whole.

Elective

This seminar looks at images and representations of black women in American films. Students will trace, discuss, critique, and analyze films that feature black female leads and tell stories of Black womanhood to interrogate how these representations reinforce and/or defy stereotypes. Students will learn the common tropes placed on Black women (Mammy, Sapphire, Jezebel), situate them historically, and learn how they affect how Black women are portrayed. Students will assess aspects of film such as director's gender and race, camera angles, script choices etc. Students will consider issues including, but not limited to, who is writing the scripts, who is directing/producing the films, whether or not the film is based on a true story or novel, when the film first premiered (and the social/cultural climate), etc. A minimum of 7 films will be watched during the course and each film will be supplemented with required reading to help contextualize the film. Written film reviews and screening sketches will be required throughout the course.

Elective