Introduction to the African Diasporas in the Americas

In this seminar we will focus on the impact of the African diasporas on American societies. We will begin by comparing and contrasting historical and demographic trends across the Americas, using as a point of reference specific examples of the African legacy in Haiti, Cuba, Brazil, and the United States. With the help of readings, films, musical texts, and independent research, we will spend the remainder of the semester studying three major themes: (1) trans-national movements such as Pan-Africanism, Negritude, and Black Power; (2) African diasporic religions such as Voudun, Santeria, and Candomblé; and (3) the role of “blackness” in the creation of musical styles from jazz and reggae to tango and samba. 3 hrs. sem.