Black New England
This course explores African American life and culture in New England, from the late eighteenth century to the early twentieth century.
This seminar explores African American life and culture in New England, from the late eighteenth century to the early twentieth century. It is organized in three phases. In the first phase, students will develop content knowledge of the rich history of African Americans in New England. We will focus on issues such as slavery and emancipation, race and education, and violence and the law; and we will read a range of texts, from Harriet Wilson's Our Nig to Benjamin Roberts’ antislavery newspaper, The Self-Elevator. In the second phase, students will receive training in digital tools and archival research methods, which are framed around our study of the African American experience. In the third phase, students will apply their content knowledge and digital research skills as they engage in an immersive field experience, where they will visit historical sites and conduct research at repositories in the New England region. As a bonus, students will have a chance to meet and network with National Park Service (NPS) staff here in this region. Maybe a career as a ranger or curator awaits!
This course will be taught in Fall 2018!