Isaac

    Curtis

• Overview
• From Guarocuya to Chávez: The Caribbean, 1492-present
• Babylon System: The Black Atlantic, 1492-present
• Zion Train: Introduction to Africana Studies
• Get Free or Die Trying: Maroon Societies, 1502-present
• Seize the Fire: The Question of Power in Human History

is an introduction to Africana Studies designed as an intellectual history of the Black World from Ancient Egypt to the present. The course develops the practice of kawaida: engagement with the Black World, what Maulana Karenga has called "the ongoing synthesis of the best of Africana thought and practice in constant exchange with the world." It is geographically comprehensive, though it draws primarily from Africa and the Americas. It is organized chronologically into five eras: Classical (3150 BC - 700 CE), Medieval (700 - 1492), Slavery & Slave Trade (1492-1888), Colonialism & Jim Crow (1885-1977), New Colonialisms & New Jim Crows (1977-present). Content will vary from year to year but includes such concepts as maat, ujamaa, yovodah, and sankofa, such texts as the Kouroukan Fouga, the T’heydinn, the Arusha Declaration, and the Odu Ifá, as well as such philosophers as Koogere, Anton de Kom, Sylvia Wynter, and Massa Makan Diabaté. By bringing students into conversation with the major ideas and thinkers of the Africana tradition and guiding them in applying these ideas to major problems in Africana studies, the course prepares students to become not only Africana Studies majors, but citizens of the world.

is part of my effort to connect with a community of intellectuals and activists committed to recovering the forgotten histories of common people like our selves. It includes information ABOUT ME, including a brief BIO, an up-to-date CV, and CONTACT information. It also includes more information about my RESEARCH and TEACHING interests. To keep up with my recent & forthcoming publications and presentations, I encourage you to FOLLOW ME to receive updates about my work.