AFAM 147 –
The Life and Thought of Malcolm X
The life of Malcolm X/El Hajj Malik El Shabazz (1925-1965) and his social, political, economic, and moral thought.
AFAM 147 / RLST 147 The Life and Thought of Malcolm X (3) (GH;US)(BA) This course meets the bachelor of arts degree requirements. This course will examine in-depth the life, speeches, and thoughts of Malcolm X/El Hajj Malik El Shabazz. While the autobiography will be a major source, we will also use other sources to develop an understanding of the philosophy and thought of Malcolm X. We will explore the social, economic, political, cultural, religious, moral, and spiritual context of America in general and of African Americans in particular. We will examine Malcolm X’s influence on the period in which he lived and since his assassination. We will compare and contrast his view on issues of race, culture, politics, education, crime, human rights, civil rights, morality, and economics with those of other African American leaders and with the prevailing views of most Americans on those subjects. We will devote a large portion of the course to the examination of the social movements that impacted on Malcolm X and those that he influenced. The speeches of Malcolm X and the writings about Malcolm X are instructive and will be utilized along with other documents. Videotapes and audiotapes will also be employed as instructional materials. Students are expected to be ACTIVE participants in the learning/teaching experience. Students are required to participate in class discussions centered on the readings and related topics. There will be a written mid-term examination and a written final examination. Students are expected to complete an individual research project related to the course and write a paper on that research as well as to participate in a collaborative group project of their choosing on a subject related to the class. This course will count in the supporting courses category of the major and minors in African/African American studies. It also will fulfill credits in the Religious Studies program. It may also be used to fill GH and US requirements.
