African American History: 1619-Present-- Chaos, Change and Community

Credit: 0.50 units Grades: 10-12 Asynchronous with weekly assignments Course: 450875

0

... English
... Certificate Course
... 0 Students
... 02h 31m

Course Overview

African American History: 1619–Present — Chaos, Change, and Community is a dynamic, semester-long course explores the rich and complex narrative of African American history from 1619 to the present day, with a focus on the themes of chaos, change, and community. Students will begin their journey in the powerful and sophisticated kingdoms of West Africa—such as Mali, Ghana, and Songhai—where they will gain an understanding of African civilizations before European contact. The course then shifts to the brutal realities of the transatlantic slave trade, tracing the forced migration of millions of Africans to the Americas and the devastating impact on families, cultures, and identities.


From there, students will investigate the development of slavery in colonial America and the evolution of racial hierarchies that laid the foundation for systemic inequality. The course will examine the everyday lives of enslaved people, their forms of resistance—both subtle and overt—and the contributions they made to American society despite the oppressive systems under which they lived. Special attention will be paid to the voices of the enslaved and the resilience of African American communities as they fought to preserve culture and assert their humanity.


The Civil War and Emancipation serve as a turning point in the course, opening the door to a brief period of hope and transformation during Reconstruction. Students will analyze the political and social changes of the era, including the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, as well as the rise of Black political leadership and community institutions. However, the course also explores the backlash that followed, as Reconstruction gave way to the era of Jim Crow, segregation, and disenfranchisement.

Through the lens of social, economic, and political history, students will study the Great Migration and its transformative impact on urban America, examining how millions of African Americans sought opportunity and freedom in the North and West. The course delves into the cultural renaissance that followed, including the Harlem Renaissance and the flourishing of African American music, literature, art, and intellectual thought.


A significant portion of the course is dedicated to the Civil Rights Movement of the mid-20th century. Students will study the lives and legacies of figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and Fannie Lou Hamer, along with grassroots activism and landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The course emphasizes both the triumphs and the ongoing challenges of the movement.

The final units bring the narrative into the modern era, exploring contemporary issues such as mass incarceration, police brutality, economic inequality, the Black Lives Matter movement, and African American contributions in politics, science, sports, and the arts. Students will also reflect on the historic significance of milestones such as the election of Barack Obama and the influence of modern cultural leaders and thinkers.


Throughout the course, students will develop critical historical thinking skills by engaging with a wide range of primary and secondary sources. They will learn to evaluate perspectives, identify bias, and interpret historical evidence. In addition, students will build media literacy and engage in thoughtful discussions about race, identity, and justice in America.


African American History: 1619–Present is not only a deep dive into the struggles and achievements of a people but also a vital exploration of how African American history is American history. By the end of the course, students will have a fuller understanding of the African American experience and the enduring impact of Black communities on the nation’s development.

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Mark George

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$ 399.99

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    Students

    0
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    language

    English
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    Duration

    02h 31m
  • Level

    advanced
  • ...

    Expiry period

    4 Months
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    Certificate

    Yes
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