This course is designed to introduce learners to cultural expressions created by African American men and women. We will focus on three pivotal historical eras– Slave Era, New Negro Era, & Black Power Era. Emphasis will be placed on three mediums– music, visual art, and literature (folklore & poetry). Attention will be given to how African American creative & intellectual concerns evolved overtime. In addition, the class will examine the ways cultural expressions— music, art, & folklore/poetry— served as vehicles to articulate identity as well as celebrate heritage or channel resistance to dominate white culture. The class format will be a mixture of lecture and discussion. Assigned readings will consist of electronic essays from various FLITE databases.