INSTRUCTIONS
Before you begin, review the discussion guidelines and sample discussion post located in the Course Overview section. Unless your instructor specifies otherwise, choose ONE of the following questions to answer, and then give a substantive response to at least TWO other students or the professor. Aim for around 300 words per initial discussion post. A substantive response is not just a one-liner post that agrees or compliments your peer. Instead, substantive posts ask relevant questions, offer new insights, and dig deeper into the topic in order to create an academic discussion. Aim for around 100 words in each response.
Note that academic weeks at UMGC begin on Wednesdays and end on Tuesdays. Initial discussion posts are due by Saturday at 11:30PM ET and at least two responses to fellow classmates are expected by the end of the week on Tuesday by 11:30PM ET.
Week 8
- Discuss why women of color are largely absent from African American Studies as both subjects and scholars.
- Identify and discuss at least three pioneering African American women historians or scholars. Explain their contributions to the establishment of African American women's history as a legitimate academic discipline.
- Explain whether you believe African American Studies should be required in K–12 public education. Discuss your stance on the theory that children who are educated to be culturally and ethnically competent become less racist as adults.
- Discuss the importance of Black LGBTQ studies. When do you think might be an appropriate age for a K–12 student to be exposed to Black LGBTQ Studies?
- Explore the emergence of Critical Race Theory (CRT) as it applies to African American Studies. What underlies the ongoing controversies about CRT? Why has there been legislation about CRT in the United States in recent years?
- Compare the L.A. Riots of the 1990s to the Black Lives Matter protests of the 2010s. What were some similarities and differences between them? How were each portrayed in the media?
- Explore the evolution of African American popular music in the late 20th century. In what ways did it offer social commentary and in what ways did it perpetuate stereotypes? 400 words and references please provide