Students will examine social dynamics as well as cultural and intellectual productions by or about communities of color nationally and internationally from different methodological perspectives.

For thousands of years people have journeyed—voluntarily or not—to new geographies, bringing with them personal and collective histories, rhythms, and aesthetics. This course examines the work of diaspora in shaping cultural identities and transforming places. We will pay specific attention to diasporic communities based in the United States and greater Western Hemisphere (Abya Yala), utilizing music, art, poetry, fiction and non-fiction to illustrate the stories and pathways of these diverse communities. Through the themes of diaspora, identity and place, this course will explore the distinct forces that have led to the dispersal of people from their original homelands to new spaces that offer both opportunity and subjugation. In this way, we will understand identity as a highly fluid concept that is deeply informed by history and geography.

Repeat Rules