The Unfolding Narrative of AP African American Studies: A Critical Examination
Navigating the Contours of Black History and Unveiling the Transformative Journey of AP African American Studies
By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
About the author: Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been pursuing his love of teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org
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Key Takeaways
- Revolutionary Course: The AP African American Studies course is a groundbreaking addition to high school curriculum.
- Controversial Changes: The course has undergone significant revisions, sparking debate among educators and policymakers.
- Critical Topics: Key subjects like the black lives matter movement and queer liberation are now optional, raising concerns about comprehensive representation.
- Academic Influence: Scholars and educators have played a crucial role in shaping the course’s content and framework.
Introduction to the AP African American Studies Course
The Advanced Placement (AP) program has long been a bastion for high-achieving high school students to delve into college-level curriculum. The recent introduction of the AP African American Studies course marked a pivotal moment in educational history. It symbolizes a long-overdue recognition of African American history’s centrality in the American narrative.
“No revisions were made to any versions of the framework at the request or influence of any state,” said Brandi Waters, senior director and program manager of AP African American Studies. (EdWeek)
Table: Evolution of AP African American Studies Course
| Component | Initial Framework | Revised Framework |
|---|---|---|
| Black Lives Matter Focus | Central | Optional |
| Queer Liberation Topics | Included | Excluded |
| Inclusion of Intersectionality | Present | Reduced |
Controversial Changes and State-Level Reactions
The course’s inception was not without controversy. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ opposition, citing nonconformity with state laws, ignited a nationwide debate. Amidst this backdrop, the College Board’s role in curriculum development came under scrutiny. Despite the pushback, the course retained much of its material on pivotal topics like slavery and the civil rights movement.
“This course is an unflinching encounter with the facts and evidence of African American history and culture. No one is excluded from this course… Everyone is seen,” stated David Coleman, CEO of the College Board. (Inside Higher Ed)
Black Lives Matter Movement: Optional or Integral?
The decision to make the study of the Black Lives Matter movement optional in the curriculum has drawn significant attention. Critics argue that this move sidelines one of the most consequential contemporary social movements in African American history.
“The highly anticipated course had been the source of significant debate… For starters, the course makes studying the Black Lives Matter movement, inarguably one of the most consequential Black modern political movements, optional,” reports The Root. (The Root)
Key Features of the Revised AP African American Studies Course
- Enhanced Focus on African Americans’ Contributions to the Arts and Sports.
- Emphasis on Grassroots Organizing and Political Movements.
- Exploration of Complex Concepts like Intersectionality.
The course’s evolution, while commendable for its existence, continues to spark critical discussions about the representation of African American experiences in academic settings.
Exclusion of Queer Liberation and Intersectionality
The revised AP African American Studies course’s exclusion of queer liberation topics has raised significant concerns. Intersectionality, a critical concept in understanding the multifaceted experiences of Black individuals, particularly women, has also seen a reduction in its coverage. This decision represents a notable shift in the course’s approach to capturing the full spectrum of African American history and experiences.
“Interlocking systems of oppression… describes how social categories are interconnected and how their interaction with social systems creates unequal outcomes for individuals,” as defined in the course. (EdWeek)
Input from Academics and Course Refinement
The course has benefited from extensive input by scholars and educators, ensuring that its content remains both comprehensive and relevant. This feedback-driven approach has been integral in shaping a curriculum that reflects the diverse narratives within African American history.
“Part of the pilot process is always to get feedback from scholars, stakeholders, community members, parents, teachers… making this course as strong as possible,” explained Brandi Waters. (EdWeek)
Table: Impact of Academic Feedback on Course Content
| Area of Impact | Description |
|---|---|
| Course Content | Expanded to include more diverse topics and voices. |
| Flexibility | Teachers now have more freedom to explore specific topics. |
| Representation | Increased focus on marginalized voices in Black history. |
New Additions: Nation of Islam and Grassroots Organizing
The inclusion of topics like the Nation of Islam and grassroots movements in the revised framework has enriched the course’s scope. These additions highlight the multifaceted nature of African American struggles and triumphs, offering students a more nuanced understanding of Black history.
“New required information on grassroots organizing, such as the work of the Coordinating Council of Community Organizations to protest school segregation in Chicago; information on the origins and beliefs of the Nation of Islam,” outlines the revised framework. (EdWeek)
List: Significant Inclusions in the Revised Framework
- Detailed study of grassroots organizing in African American history.
- Exploration of the Nation of Islam’s origins and beliefs.
- Discussion on concepts like intersectionality and systemic oppression.
Historical and Cultural Coverage in the Course
The course’s historical coverage is expansive, tracing African American history from ancient African kingdoms to modern times. This includes a thorough exploration of key periods like the American Revolution, Civil War, Reconstruction, the rise and fall of Jim Crow segregation, and the civil rights movement.
“Never before have high school students had the opportunity to engage with African American history and culture in such depth and coherence,” remarked Henry Louis Gates Jr. (Inside Higher Ed)
The Interdisciplinary Approach: Beyond History
The AP African American Studies course is not limited to historical analysis; it adopts an interdisciplinary approach. By drawing from history, arts, and social sciences, the course offers a holistic view of how African American culture has shaped the American landscape over centuries.
“By drawing not only on history but also the arts and social sciences, the course explores how African American culture has shaped our country for centuries,” said Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham. (Inside Higher Ed)
Perspectives on Course Existence and Future Directions
The existence of the AP African American Studies course, despite its controversial revisions, represents a significant step forward in educational curriculum. It acknowledges the importance of African American history and its impact on American society as a whole.
Teresa Reed, dean of the School of Music at the University of Louisville, highlights the broader perspective, stating, “It is important to note that all AP curricula undergo periodic revision and updating as a normal component of the development and delivery [of] AP courses.” She emphasizes the course’s historic significance, adding, “The bigger picture… is that AP African American Studies now exists where it did not before, and this is a huge win for all students.” (Inside Higher Ed)
Future Prospects for AP African American Studies
- Potential for ongoing updates and inclusion of more diverse topics.
- Opportunities for more in-depth studies on contemporary issues.
- Expansion of the course to more schools nationwide.
Conclusion: The Evolving Landscape of African American Studies
The AP African American Studies course represents a dynamic and evolving field of study. As it stands, the course offers a significant foundation in understanding the complexities and richness of African American history. It lays a critical groundwork for future generations to explore and comprehend the profound impact of African Americans on the fabric of American history and culture.
FAQ
Q: What are the main controversies surrounding the AP African American Studies course?
A: Key controversies include the optional coverage of the Black Lives Matter movement, the exclusion of queer liberation topics, and the influence of political pressures on course content.
Q: How has academic feedback influenced the course?
A: Academic feedback has led to the expansion of course content, increased focus on marginalized voices, and greater flexibility in exploring specific topics.
Q: What future changes are expected for the course?
A: Future changes may include more comprehensive updates, further inclusion of diverse topics, and broader access to the course across the United States.
Work Cited
- “The Revised AP African American Studies: What’s Been Changed and Why.” EdWeek. www.edweek.org.
- “College Board releases revised AP course in African American Studies.” Inside Higher Ed. www.insidehighered.com.
- “College Board drops new AP Black History course.” The Root. www.theroot.com.
