(cross-leveled with BL_STU 7705). This cross-level course provides students with an advanced understanding of the cultural traditions and social organization of Black communities across the African Diaspora. The selected topics covered include family structure, social institutions, religious forms, musical genres, folklore and oral histories. The course explores the cultural continuities from a shared African heritage and emphasizes the regionally distinctive cultural practices resulting from local transformations through cultural adaptation. Graded on A-F basis only. Recommended: The Department recommends students complete BL_STU 3977 or another approved methods or writing intensive course prior to registering for this course.