African-American Studies
The LACC African-American Studies Program advances the College's commitment to diverse perspectives and inclusive learning environments through course offerings, faculty research, community involvement and cross-cultural collaboration. It fosters interdisciplinary study for undergraduate students by examining how people of African-American and African descent have shaped their cultures, their histories, and their politics and thus our world. As a program located in the heart of Los Angeles, we are dedicated to enhancing the learned experiences of our students through political, social and cultural action.
Job Skills Certificate
The African-American Studies skills certificate is designed to recognize students’ proficiency in understanding central questions regarding the culture and history of ethnic and minority groups in the United States, with emphasis on people of African descent. The certificate helps demonstrate students’ understanding of diversity in various aspects of society, including the workplace.
African-American Course Descriptions
3.00 Units (Lec 3 Hrs)
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC(CalGETC Area 3B,4)
Advisory: ENGLC1000 OR ENGLISH101Z OR E.S.L.110
This course will critically analyze the agency and self-determina-
tion of people of African descent within their engagement of race,
racism and white supremacy in the Americas. Utilizing an African
American Studies framework, students will gain an understanding
of the historiographical issues and themes that impacted Black
Americans and others within the African diaspora during the period
of colonization and enslavement. Emphasis will be placed on the
African background of Black identity formation within the Ameri-
cas and how this informed resistance, liberation and decoloniza-
tion movements prior to the American Civil War.
3.00 Units (Lec 3 Hrs)
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC(CalGETC Area 3B,4)
Advisory: ENGLC1000 OR ENGLISH101Z OR E.S.L.110
This course will critically examine the lived experiences of peo-
ple of African descent from Reconstruction to the present. Utiliz-
ing an African American Studies framework, students will engage
with intersectional concepts concerning race, gender, class, sex-
uality, among others, in discussing African American and dias-
poric responses to race, racism, white supremacy, and imperialism
during this period. Emphasis will be placed on the interconnected
struggles for solidarity, liberation, resistance and social justice
that took place within the African diaspora from Reconstruction
to the present. Contemporary movements for racial justice will be
discussed.
3.00 Units (Lec 3 Hrs)
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC(CalGETC Area 3B,4)
Advisory: ENGLISH028 AND ENGLISH067
Students analyze the relationship of minority groups to American
Politics with emphasis on African Americans in the political system.
3.00 Units (Lec 3 Hrs)
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC(CalGETC Area 3B)
This course provides an introduction to the literary, social and his-
torical aspects of works authored by African Americans. The course
reveals the progression of a people and culture in American soci-
ety, artistically expressed by African American writers. The course
analyzes the literary, social, and historical aspects of essays, nov-
els, drama, short stories and poetry written by African-Americans. It
examines and reflects upon American society through the literature
that African Americans produce, especially as it pertains to issues
of social justice, agency and self-affirmation.
Useful Links
Social Sciences Department
College Catalog
Schedule of Classes