FRS 002 — Sec. 026 —
(2 unit) — CRN 74206 — R 12:10-1:30 pm — Alder Hall Lounge
Performance and Culture in the African Diaspora
Instructor: Halifu Osumare, Department of African-American and African
Studies, College of Letters and Science
Description: The Performance and Culture in the African Diaspora
Freshman Seminar is intended for students interested in the cultural contributions
of people living in the African Diaspora (the rich cultural evolution of peoples
of African origin living in the Caribbean, South America, North America, and Europe).
Weekly lectures introduce students to the music, dance, and theater of the African
Diaspora, highlight historical, political, and social relationships, and provide
relevant background information (faculty lectures will be coordinated by Linda
Alexander and John Ortiz-Hutson).
Format: This two-unit course will be letter-graded based on lecture
and performance attendance, a 5-page written assignment, and class participation
(an integral component of this learning experience). There are no texts for the
class, however there will be occasional hand-outs and on-line reading assignments
prior to each performance. No more than one (1) missed lecture (including the
required pre-performance lectures) and no more than one (1) missed Mondavi Center
performance will be allowed. Choosing one of the 5 performances you will see this
quarter please comment on its historical, political, or social relevance as it
pertains to the African Diaspora. Use at least one library reference for your
4-5-page paper and support your written assignment with performance observations,
class notes, on-line readings, and /or class discussions. Please use the MLA documentation
style and include a bibliography page. Grading: Students
will be graded based on their class and performance participation – their
frequency and ability to discuss the lectures and performances (25%), the quality
of their oral presentations (25%), and the quality of one 5-page response paper
(50%).
About the Instructor: