129007 AR Theory (MA) (2014W)

In this theory class, we'll start by discussing a number of classic texts and concepts theorizing Blackness, chronologically from the late 19th century to today. We'll tackle issues of race relations and racism with a focus on American culture and the postcolonial Caribbean. Stuart Hall's writings on blackness and popular culture will be a focal point at midterm, leading up to a student conference (plus invited keynote lecture) in early December. Towards the end of the semester, we'll shift towards whiteness studies and will conclude the class by inquiring into the dictum of the US as a post-race society (virulent since Obama's presidency, and shattered recently by the Ferguson riots in Missouri).