African American History – 1865 to Present

Unit 1 – Reconstruction Era: Hopes and Setbacks

Unit 2 – The New South & Jim Crow Era (1877-1900)

Unit 3 – African American Leaders & Resistance: 1900-1950

Unit 4 – Great Migration & Harlem Renaissance

Unit 5 – World War II's Impact on Black Communities

Unit 6 – Civil Rights: Brown to Voting Rights Act

Unit 7 – Black Power and Nationalism (1965-1975)

Unit 8 – African Americans: Post-Civil Rights Era

Unit 9 – Modern Struggles for Equality (2000-Present)

Unit 10 – African American Culture and Thought

## What do you learn in African American History Since 1865

You'll explore the African American experience from the end of the Civil War to the present. Key topics include Reconstruction, Jim Crow laws, the Great Migration, the Civil Rights Movement, and modern racial issues. You'll analyze how African Americans have shaped and been impacted by U.S. politics, culture, and society over the past 150+ years.

## Is African American History Since 1865 hard?

Most students find this course moderately challenging but super interesting. The workload isn't usually too heavy, but you'll need to keep up with readings and be ready to engage in discussions. The trickiest part can be connecting historical events to broader themes and understanding their long-term impacts. But if you're into history or social issues, you'll probably dig it.

## Tips for taking African American History Since 1865 in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Stay on top of the readings - they're crucial for understanding lectures and discussions
3. Make connections between events (e.g., how the Great Migration influenced the Civil Rights Movement)
4. Watch documentaries like "Eyes on the Prize" or "13th" for visual context
5. Engage in class discussions - sharing your thoughts helps solidify your understanding
6. Create a timeline to keep track of major events and figures
7. Read primary sources to get firsthand perspectives on historical events
8. Consider reading "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson for a deep dive into the Great Migration

## Common pre-requisites for African American History Since 1865

1. U.S. History to 1865: Covers American history from colonial times to the Civil War. You'll learn about the roots of slavery and early African American experiences.

2. Introduction to African American Studies: Provides an overview of African American culture, history, and contemporary issues. This course sets the foundation for more specialized classes like African American History Since 1865.

## Classes similar to African American History Since 1865

1. Civil Rights Movement: Focuses on the struggle for racial equality from the 1950s to 1970s. You'll dive deep into key figures, events, and strategies of this pivotal period.

2. African American Literature: Explores the rich literary traditions of African American writers. You'll read works from the Harlem Renaissance through contemporary authors.

3. Race and Ethnicity in America: Examines the social construction of race and its impact on various ethnic groups in the U.S. You'll analyze how race intersects with other aspects of identity and society.

4. Black Politics in America: Investigates African American political thought and participation from Reconstruction to today. You'll study black political leaders, movements, and voting patterns.

## Majors related to African American History Since 1865

1. African American Studies: Focuses on the experiences, culture, and contributions of people of African descent in the United States and globally. Students gain a deep understanding of African American history, literature, politics, and social issues.

2. History: Involves studying and interpreting past events, cultures, and societies. Students develop critical thinking skills and learn to analyze primary sources while gaining a broad understanding of human experiences over time.

3. Sociology: Examines human society, social behavior, and group interactions. Students learn about social structures, institutions, and how factors like race, class, and gender shape individual and group experiences.

4. Political Science: Focuses on the study of government systems, political behavior, and public policy. Students analyze political theories, institutions, and processes, often examining how race and ethnicity influence political dynamics.

## What can you do with a degree in African American History Since 1865?

1. Teacher or Professor: Educate students about African American history and culture at various levels. You could work in high schools, community colleges, or universities, depending on your degree level.

2. Museum Curator: Develop exhibits and educational programs related to African American history and culture. You'd be responsible for researching, acquiring, and preserving historical artifacts and documents.

3. Civil Rights Advocate: Work for organizations that promote racial equality and social justice. You might be involved in policy research, community organizing, or legal advocacy.

4. Diversity and Inclusion Specialist: Help organizations create more inclusive environments and policies. You'd use your knowledge of historical and contemporary racial issues to guide diversity initiatives in various settings.

## African American History Since 1865 FAQs

1. How much writing is involved in this course? Typically, you'll have a mix of shorter response papers and one or two longer research papers. The amount can vary, but expect to do some analytical writing throughout the semester.

2. Are there field trips or guest speakers in this class? Many professors try to incorporate visits to local historical sites or bring in guest lecturers. It depends on your specific course and location, but these can be great ways to bring the material to life.

3. How does this course relate to current events? You'll often find connections between historical topics and contemporary issues. Many professors encourage students to draw these parallels and discuss how past events have shaped our present society.

History

African American Studies

1.1 The Freedmen's Bureau and early Reconstruction policies

1.2 Constitutional amendments and civil rights legislation

1.3 African American political participation and leadership

1.4 The rise and fall of Reconstruction

2.2 The emergence of Jim Crow laws and segregation

2.1 Economic and social changes in the post-Reconstruction South

2.3 African American responses to disenfranchisement and discrimination

2.4 The rise of lynching and racial violence

3.1 The Washington-Du Bois debate and competing ideologies

3.2 The founding of the NAACP and other civil rights organizations

3.4 African American women's activism and leadership

3.3 Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association

4.1 Causes and patterns of the Great Migration

4.4 The impact of the Great Depression on African Americans

4.2 The development of urban African American communities

4.3 The Harlem Renaissance: literature, art, and music

5.1 African American participation in the war effort

5.2 The Double V campaign and civil rights activism

5.3 Desegregation of the military and defense industries

5.4 Post-war social and economic changes

6.1 Brown v. Board of Education and school desegregation

6.2 Nonviolent direct action and the Montgomery Bus Boycott

6.4 The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965

6.3 The rise of student activism and SNCC

7.1 The emergence of Black Power ideology

7.2 The Black Panther Party and urban activism

7.3 The Black Arts Movement and cultural nationalism

7.4 African American feminism and intersectionality

8.2 The War on Drugs and mass incarceration

8.1 Affirmative action and debates over racial equality

8.3 African American political gains and the rise of Black conservatism

8.4 Economic challenges and the urban crisis

9.1 The impact of Hurricane Katrina and environmental justice

9.3 Black Lives Matter and contemporary civil rights activism

9.2 The election of Barack Obama and its significance

9.4 Persistent racial disparities in education, health, and wealth

10.1 African American literature and literary criticism

10.2 Music, from spirituals to hip-hop

10.4 African American philosophy and critical race theory

10.3 Visual arts and film

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