Introduction to Black Studies
Introduction to Black Studies This course considers the issues, epistemologies, and political investments central to Black Studies as a field. We will explore chronologically, thematically, and with an interdisciplinary lens the social forces and ideas that have shaped the individual and collective experiences of African-descended peoples throughout the African Diaspora. This course is a broad survey of the history of chattel slavery, colonial encounters, community life, and social institutions of black Americans. We will address issues of gender and class; the role of social movements in struggles for liberation; and various genres of black expressive cultures. Students will develop critical tools, frameworks, and vocabulary for further study in the field. Course materials may include Maulana Karenga’s Introduction to Black Studies, C.L.R. James’s The Black Jacobins, and Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God.
Introduction to Black Studies This course considers the issues, epistemologies, and political investments central to Black Studies as a field. We will explore chronologically, thematically, and with an interdisciplinary lens the social forces and ideas that have shaped the individual and collective experiences of African-descended peoples throughout the African Diaspora. This course is a broad survey of the history of chattel slavery, colonial encounters, community life, and social institutions of black Americans. We will address issues of gender and class; the role of social movements in stru …Read more
Professor Silva is an amazing person and an amazing professor. The lectures could sort of go all over the place, but most of that is because there is so much content to cover, and discussions took up a bulk of class time, but he is obviously engaged in the material and passionate about Black studies. Do not be afraid to go to office hours for clarification or to just talk about things going on in the world. I would take it again.
Professor Silva is an amazing person and an amazing professor. The lectures could sort of go all over the place, but most of that is because there is so much content to cover, and discussions took up a bulk of class time, but he is obviously engaged in the material and passionate about Black studies. Do not be afraid to go to office …Read more
Introduction to Black Studies with Professor Philogene is an experience I think everyone should have. She is extremely passionate, intelligent and funny, which makes this class much more enjoyable than the typical lecture. She cares deeply about each student and will accommodate your needs. She is flexible with her deadlines if there are extenuating circumstances. The content and discussions in her class are extremely thought-provoking. For the semester, we have three papers and a final presentation, which is essentially a playlist of songs that you think relate to the course. There is no final exam for this course. I recommend anyone with even an inkling of interest in Black Studies to take this course.
Introduction to Black Studies with Professor Philogene is an experience I think everyone should have. She is extremely passionate, intelligent and funny, which makes this class much more enjoyable than the typical lecture. She cares deeply about each student and will accommodate your needs. She is flexible with her deadlines if there …Read more
I love taking Introduction to Black Studies with Daniel Silva because he is knowledgable and well-verse on the topic. He comes to class very passionate about the subjects we're tackling in class and I find them to be all applicable to my life outside of Middlebury.
This course was both valuable and relatively easy. Professor Davis was a great lecturer and sparked great discussions in class. The readings and work outside of class were manageable. Attendance was not required. There were a handful of open book quizzes throughout the semester based on the readings. Three essays and lowest grade dropped.
Professor Davis is clearly passionate about black studies and through that is able to make his lectures engaging. He is a very laid back teacher who doesn't like the idea of grades. He gives you 3 48-hour "no questions asked" (NQA) extensions that can be banked onto one another and can be used on any assignment. Quizzes are easy (open note and remote), the lowest of your 3 essay scores are dropped, and it is generally pretty easy to get participation points.
Professor Davis is clearly passionate about black studies and through that is able to make his lectures engaging. He is a very laid back teacher who doesn't like the idea of grades. He gives you 3 48-hour "no questions asked" (NQA) extensions that can be banked onto one another and can be used on any assignment. Quizzes are easy (ope …Read more
This was a very chill course. Davis does like participation but other than that he doesnt take attendance and he has a great extension policy. Only two essays are required and they are only 2-3 pages. The readings are short. He does have take home quizzes but they are open note and easy. The final project is a group project. He is a little scary at times when people don't participate but he's very clear. I enjoyed this class!
This was a very chill course. Davis does like participation but other than that he doesnt take attendance and he has a great extension policy. Only two essays are required and they are only 2-3 pages. The readings are short. He does have take home quizzes but they are open note and easy. The final project is a group project. He is a …Read more
Although the class felt monotonous and boring at times, the class overall was not difficult at all. Kyhree Davis has very specific points and ideas he wants his students to walk away with, and there isn't a lot of room for discussion outside of those certain themes. Nevertheless, it is a relatively easy class if you're good at following his directions.
This class is super laid back. The material is genuinely interesting, but the class is set up such that attendance isn't strictly necessary. Lectures are entirely based around the readings from the previous night so there's no point showing up if you haven't done them. The extension policy is beyond accommodating, and minimal effort will net you a great grade in this class, especially if you genuinely engage with the material.
This class is super laid back. The material is genuinely interesting, but the class is set up such that attendance isn't strictly necessary. Lectures are entirely based around the readings from the previous night so there's no point showing up if you haven't done them. The extension policy is beyond accommodating, and minimal effort …Read more
Professor Davis is a very knowledgable teacher, who is really helpful and supportive, especially one-on-one. I think going to office hours is most helpful for this class. There are only two papers, and if you generally understand the readings and attend a few office hours, you will do very well on them. One of the better teachers at Middlebury, though does put a huge emphasis on participation, so be prepared for that! Would recommend this class!
Professor Davis is a very knowledgable teacher, who is really helpful and supportive, especially one-on-one. I think going to office hours is most helpful for this class. There are only two papers, and if you generally understand the readings and attend a few office hours, you will do very well on them. One of the better teachers at …Read more
Professor Davis's clear teaching style made complex topics more understandable. The lack of tests lessened academic pressure, providing a different learning experience. The course offered an introduction to Black Studies through an essay-centered approach, which encouraged deeper engagement with the material.
This a very easy and chill class. The quizzes were only 4 questions and he was kind with extra time on essays. It is discussion heavy but attendance is not required and if nobody talks he ends it pretty quickly.
10-20 page readings that we go over in class. He is chill and attendance is not required. The essays are worth a lot but only 2 essays throughout the course. Quizzes are take home. Plus final is a group project.
The class is great for an intro to black studies course, lots of readings and an open book quiz every two weeks. You have group partners made in the beginning of the semester for a final project, so be mindful of that. He is an easy grader.