This course introduces students to the content and contours of Diaspora Studies as a field of study–its genealogy, development, and future challenges. The course focuses on historic and contemporary experiences of African-descended peoples in the Americas, particularly the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America. We will also give some attention to how members of the Diaspora remember and encounter Africa, and to how Africans respond to the history of enslavement, colonialism, apartheid, racism and globalization. In addition to literature and research, film, music, photography, and artwork will be used to develop a critical understanding of the African Diaspora. These non-written texts will make abstract readings come to life while stimulating the development of critical thinking skills. Students are encouraged to draw connections between these visual/audio representations and the ideas and issues that we uncover from course readings. Graded on A-F basis only.