Embark on a condensed yet profound exploration of African American history in this four-week course, tracing the journey from the harrowing days of the Atlantic Slave Trade to the transformative era of the Civil Rights Movement. Through a curated selection of primary and secondary sources, students will delve into the crucial events, movements, and figures that have shaped the African American experience.

Every week will include:
-A video by the instructor with an introduction to the topic, and a reading of the weekly primary source document. 
-An attachment of the primary source document with questions to answers. 
-A weekly reflection in the form of class discussion over the topic. 

Week 1: The Atlantic Slave Trade and Plantation Life
In the first week, we will discuss the introduction to the Atlantic Slave Trade, and the significance of understanding the roots of African American history. We will read and analyze excerpts from Olaudah Equiano's narrative. At the end of the section, we will reflect on the week's materials in a class discussion.

Week 2: Abolitionist Movements and Emancipation
In the second week, we will read excerpts from Frederick Douglass' narrative, and discuss the impact of various abolitionist movements. Then we will examine the Emancipation Proclamation and its historical context the discuss the immediate and long-term implications of emancipation. Lastly, we will reflect on the abolitionist movements and the transition to the Reconstruction era.


Week 3: Jim Crow Era and the Great Migration
In the third week, we will examine photographs depicting Jim Crow segregation, and discuss. Then we will listen to a video where women will tell their story of their journey during the Great Migration and discuss.


Week 4: Civil Rights Movement and Legacy
In the fourth week, we will read and analyze speeches and letters from Martin Luther King Jr. Then discuss the philosophy and tactics of the Civil Rights Movement. We will examine the texts and historical context of key legislative acts such as the  Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. We will spend the end of the course reflecting on the entire course journey, and discuss the importance of understanding and confronting historical legacies.

By the end of the course, students will have navigated the condensed yet impactful history of African Americans, gaining a nuanced understanding of their resilience, contributions, and the ongoing pursuit of justice, preparing them to engage in thoughtful discussions on race and equality in the modern world.