Subject: AFST

Term: Fall 2026

AFST 151: The Black Church in the U.S. (100/14376)

TR 02:45-04:00 PM Aug 24-Dec 04

Burton, H

This "topics course" offers an introduction to the academic study of Africana Religions. Whether approached through a particular theme or as a general historical introduction, each section of this course provides students with a general introduction to the academic study of religion and basic religious literacy in religions of people of African origins in sub-Saharan African, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Americas and thus will explore forms of these traditions in a diversity of cultural contexts. Section topics could include, but are not limited to: Introducing Africana Religions: The Black Church in the U.S., Introducing Africana Religions: Yoruba Ifa Traditions, Introducing Africana Religions: Orisha Traditions in Latin America and the Caribbean, Introducing Africana Religions: African American Religions, Introducing Africana Religions: U.S. African-derived Religions. Students may repeat the course for credit (up to 6 credits), provided that the two sections are different. Offered as AFST 151 and RLGN 151.

AFST 212: History of Rock and Roll (100/5988)

TR 04:15-05:30 PM Aug 24-Dec 04

Faulhammer, R

This course surveys the music and culture of the rock and roll era, broadly defined to include much popular music since the 1950s to the present day. Music majors are to enroll in MUHI 312. Offered as AFST 212 and MUHI 212.

AFST 212: History of Rock and Roll (101/5989)

TR 04:15-05:30 PM Aug 24-Dec 04

Vance, C

This course surveys the music and culture of the rock and roll era, broadly defined to include much popular music since the 1950s to the present day. Music majors are to enroll in MUHI 312. Offered as AFST 212 and MUHI 212.

AFST 261: African-American History, 1865 - Present (100/13780)

MW 12:35-01:50 PM Aug 24-Dec 04

Voltz, N

This course examines the African American experience from emancipation to the present. The history of African peoples in the United States has primarily been a chronicle of strivings for liberation, justice, and equality. Much of this story represents Black people's desires to retain their racial identity and autonomy, to build community, and create a sense of nationalism, while simultaneously asserting their right to be treated as equal American citizens. During this course, student will gain insight into the conditions of life for people of African descent in America while also being introduced to the myriad ways in which African Americans have continually pushed for freedom. This course will discuss a variety of themes in African American history including slavery and freedom, politics, resistance, gender, culture, identity, economy, etc. The specific topics explored include: Reconstruction, the Racial Nadir, the New Negro Movement, Black Radicalism in the Depression Era, The Civil Rights and Black Power Movements, Black Feminism, Black Politics in the 1980s, and finally, the state of Black America in the New Century with particular emphasis placed on contemporary topics including mass incarceration and the rise of the #BlackLivesMatter Movement. Throughout the course, students will be exposed to lectures, readings, films, and class discussion that will enable them to analyze the impact of various forms of human difference on lived experiences and individual and collective choices made by black folks throughout American history. Offered as AFST 261, ETHS 261 and HSTY 261.

AFST 315: History of Jazz and American Popular Music (100/5990)

TR 10:00-11:15 AM Aug 24-Dec 04

Ferguson, P

Musical styles and structures of jazz and American popular music; emphasis on music since 1900. Recommended preparation: MUTH 202, MUTH 211, or MUHI 202. Offered as AFST 315 and MUHI 315.

AFST 318: History of Black Women in the U.S. (100/13781)

MW 03:10-04:25 PM Aug 24-Dec 04

Voltz, N

This course focuses on the history of black women in the United States. Moving from enslavement to the present, this course is designed to give you an overview of the lived experiences of women of African descent in this country. This course will focus on themes of labor, reproduction, health, community, family, resistance, activism, etc., highlighting the diversity of black women's experiences and the ways in which their lives have been shaped by the intersections of their race, gender, sexuality, and class. Throughout the course, students will be exposed to lectures, readings, films, and class discussion that will enable them to analyze the impact of various forms of human difference on lived experiences and individual and collective choices made by black women throughout American history. Offered as AFST 318, ETHS 318, HSTY 318, and WGST 318.