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African American History OpenCourseWare: Notre Dame's Free Undergraduate History Class on African American History

Published Feb 09, 2009

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From the moment a Dutch ship delivered the first cargo of Africans to the shores of colonial America in 1619 it set in motion a set of dynamics and events that has shaped not only African American history, but the overall economic, political and social history of the United States as well. 'African American History II,' a free OpenCourseware provided by Notre Dame University, investigates the progression of African American experiences and their association with the whole of American society. Students of American history, political science, sociology and those interested in African American history will find the information in this undergraduate-level course fascinating and enlightening.

African American History II: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Undergraduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
Yes Yes No

African American History II: Course Descriptions

It is estimated that over the generations leading up to the Emancipation Proclamation, at least 95% of Africans and their descendants lived in slavery. Those who were free worked as household workers, sailors, preachers, accountants, music teachers, medical assistants, blacksmiths, bricklayers, and carpenters. 'African American History II' is a free course provided by the University of Notre Dame's Department of History. The course is taught by Professor Richard Pierce, Ph.D. The course focuses on the history of African Americans in the United States starting with Reconstruction through the 1980's. This time period can be divided into a series of eras, Reconstruction and its Aftermath, World War I and Post-War Society, the Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the Civil Rights Era and the new society. Course lectures provide an in-depth analysis of each era and its history and impact on the future. Other lecture topics include Lincoln's plan to free the slaves and its critics, historical interpretations of Reconstruction, the development of Jim Crow laws and the African American migration to the North. Students will also review subjects such as the Scottsboro Boys, the 1941 March on Washington, the post-war period, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Black Power Movement. This undergraduate-level course is ideal for anyone interested in the history of African Americans in the United States and anyone looking to learn from the lessons of the past.

The materials for this OpenCourseware are comprised of online lecture notes and a list of readings and related resources. To learn more, or if you would like to take advantage of this course, visit the African American history course page.

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