CDN335H1

Black Canadian Studies

The course introduces students to the emerging field of Black Canadian Studies, and approaches it as an intellectual, cultural and political endeavour that is steeped in a long tradition of Black resistance against colonialism, slavery and anti-Black racism. To counter the ways Black communities are all too often erased and overlooked in society, this course focuses on deepening students’ knowledge and understanding of Black communities in Canada, and the historical and contemporary contributions, experiences, and social issues these communities encounter as they navigate life in what is now known as Canada. This course examines the constitution of Blackness in Canada, as it intersects with other social relations of identity and power such as gender, class and sexuality. Black intellectual traditions and cultural expressions in literature, music, media, education, social justice movements, and the workplace are also addressed as noteworthy spaces which shape, influence and represent the Black Experience in Canada.