AFS 442--601 – Black Feminist Theory
North Carolina State University
Africana Studies Program
Course Description
AFS 442--601 is an interdisciplinary course in the Africana Studies Program that enables
students to explore issues of importance to African and African descent cultures. This semester,
students will explore Black feminist theory and the intersection of race, class, gender and
sexuality related to black women in the United States. In addition to understanding how black
women are defined in a variety of cultural contexts, students will examine how race, class,
gender and sexuality intersect and collide in American culture. This course will utilize a variety
of texts to define womanhood, including novels, critical texts, films and personal narratives.
Course content will be delivered using Moodle for the administration of quizzes and
examinations, for paper submission, and for web-based assignments. Students are required to
update their email address on the Registration and Records website to facilitate access to
the course information on the class Moodle site.
Instructor’s Information
Frances D. Graham (fdgraha3)
Email: fdgraha3@ncsu.edu
Phone: 919.513.2446
Fax: 919.515.5173
Office: 326 Witherspoon Student Center, African American Cultural Center
Office Hours: Thursdays at 11:00am-12:00pm and by appointment
Learning Outcomes
1. Developed a working knowledge of black feminist theory and the intersectionality of
race, class, gender and sexual orientation of black women in the US.
2. Explored the roles of black women in the US beyond socially constructed stereotypes.
3. Become familiarized with key intellectual developments of feminist theory.
Course Meetings
This is an online course. No face to face instruction will take place. However, students are
encouraged to meet the instructor in her office anytime to discuss course materials, issues or
concerns they may be facing.
Course Structure
Students will access Moodle for all assignments, announcements and course changes. All
assignments must be submitted via Moodle. In addition, there will be three forums that students
are required to participate in as part of their final grade. Students should check the syllabus
weekly in Moodle as it is subject to change.
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Course Materials
Required Textbook: Collins, Patricia Hill, Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge,
Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment Routledge, Chapman and Hall, Inc.
ISBN: 0-04-445137-7 Cost: $22.00
Articles and Links: All required articles will be posted in Moodle. Links to videos, newscasts,
etc. will be provided in Moodle
Letter Grades: This Course uses Standard NCSU Letter Grading:
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Requirements for Credit-Only (S/U) Grading
In order to receive a grade of S, students are required to take all exams and quizzes, complete all
assignments, and earn a grade of C- or better. Conversion from letter grading to credit only (S/U)
grading is subject to university deadlines. Refer to the Registration and Records calendar for
deadlines related to grading. For more details refer to http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg02-20-15.
Requirements for Auditors (AU)
Information about and requirements for auditing a course can be found at
http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-20-04.
Policies on Incomplete Grades
If an extended deadline is not authorized by the instructor or department, an unfinished
incomplete grade will automatically change to an F after either (a) the end of the next regular
semester in which the student is enrolled (not including summer sessions), or (b) the end of 12
months if the student is not enrolled, whichever is shorter. Incompletes that change to F will
count as an attempted course on transcripts. The burden of fulfilling an incomplete grade is the
responsibility of the student. The university policy on incomplete grades is located at
http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-50-3.
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At the discretion of the instructor, students may be given an incomplete grade for work not
completed because of a serious interruption in their work caused by extenuating circumstances
(e.g., documented illness or family emergency). An incomplete grade will not be given as a
substitute for an F when the student’s performance is deserving of failing. An incomplete is only
appropriate when the student’s record in the course is such that the successful completion of
particular assignments, projects or tests missed as a result of a serious documented event would
enable that student to pass the course. The university policy on incomplete grades is at:
http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-50-03.
Late Assignments
All assignments are to be submitted at 11:59pm on the date indicated in the syllabus. Five (5)
points per assignment will be deducted for all late assignments. Once the portal is closed
assignments will not be accepted. If you need an extension contact the instructor.
Attendance Policy and Participation
For complete attendance and excused absence policies, please see
http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-20-03. Students are expected to participate in the
consistently each week. Attendance is measured by online presence, the access of the digital
resources provided on the course Moodle site, participation in the discussion postings, and the
completion of papers, the midterm examination and the group project/final examination.
Makeup Work Policy
No makeup assignments will be accepted unless arrangements have been made with the
Instructor prior to the due date of the assignment. Contact Dr. Graham at least 48-hours before
the assignment is due to obtain an extension.
Academic Integrity
Students are required to comply with the university policy on academic integrity found in the
Code of Student Conduct found at http://policies.ncsu.edu/policy/pol-11-35-01
The NC State University Honor Pledge reads as follows: I have neither given nor received
unauthorized aid on this test or assignment. It is the understanding and expectation that the
student’s signature on any exam or assignment means that a student has upheld the University’s
Honor Pledge. It is the responsibility of each student to understand the University’s policy on
academic integrity as defined in the Code of Student Conduct Policy located at:
http://policies.ncsu.edu/policy/pol-11-35-01.
Academic Honesty
See http://policies.ncsu.edu/policy/pol-11-35-01 for a detailed explanation of academic
honesty.
Honor Pledge
Your signature on any test or assignment indicates "I have neither given nor received
unauthorized aid on this test or assignment."
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Accommodations for Disabilities
Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to
take advantage of available accommodations, student must register with the Disability Services
Office (http://www.ncsu.edu/dso), 919-515-7653. For more information on NC State's policy
on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for
Students with Disabilities Regulation at http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-20-01.
Non-Discrimination Policy
NC State University provides equality of opportunity in education and employment for all
students and employees. Accordingly, NC State affirms its commitment to maintain a work
environment for all employees and an academic environment for all students that is free from all
forms of discrimination. Discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin,
age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation is a violation of state and federal law and/or
NC State University policy and will not be tolerated. Harassment of any person (either in the
form of quid pro quo or creation of a hostile environment) based on race, color, religion, creed,
sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation also is a violation of state
and federal law and/or NC State University policy and will not be tolerated. Retaliation against
any person who complains about discrimination is also prohibited. NC State's policies and
regulations covering discrimination, harassment, and retaliation may be accessed at
http://policies.ncsu.edu/policy/pol-04-25-05 or http://www.ncsu.edu/equal_op/. Any person
who feels that he or she has been the subject of prohibited discrimination, harassment, or
retaliation should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity (OEO) at 919-515-3148.
Africana Studies Equity Statement: All persons, regardless of age, race, religion, gender,
physical disability or sexual orientation shall have equal opportunity without harassment in
Africana Studies courses and programs. Any harassment should be reported immediately to
either the classroom instructor or the program coordinator.
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Course Readings and Assignments
STOP…Before you do anything…read the course syllabus very carefully. Make sure you
understand the university policies, course expectations and outcomes. Email the instructor with
any questions or concerns.
Black Feminist Theory Defined
1. Hill, Patricia Collins. “Defining Black Feminist Thought.” Chapter 2 in Black Feminist
Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment, 19-40. New
York: Routledge: Routledge, Chapman and Hill, Inc., 1990.
2. Guy-Sheftall, Beverly, ed. “The Combahee River Collective: A Black Feminist
Statement.” Words of Fire: An Anthology of African-American Feminist Thought, 231240. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1995.
3. bell hooks. “Black Women: Shaping Feminist Theory,” Feminist Theory: From Margin
to Center, 1-15. Boston: South End Press, 1984.
ASSIGNMENT:
Class Introductions (Assignment 1)
Each Student is required to introduce themselves by responding to the following questions.
1. Classification and major
2. What do you hope to learn in course (response should be no more than 100 words)?
3. What questions do you have about the course? (15 points)
Reaction Paper (Assignment 1)
What does Black feminist theory mean to you? What do you think constitutes Black feminist
theory? Don’t have an opinion yet? Do not access the internet to begin researching. Take a deep
breath and consider the questions. Your response should be no more than 500 words in length
with a 1-inch margin, 12 point Times New Romans font. (30 points)
A Briefing on the History of Black Women
1. Cooper, Anna Julia. “The Status of Black Women in America.” Words of Fire: An
Anthology of African-American Feminist Thought, 44-50. New York: W.W. Norton &
Company, 1995.
2. Giddings, Paula. “Defending Our Name.” Chapter 2 in When and Where I Enter: The
Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in America, New York: William Morrow
Paperbacks, 1984.
3. Rodgers-Rose, La Frances. “The Black Woman: A Historical Overview.” In The Black
Woman, ed by La Frances Rodgers-Rose, 15-25. Newbury Park, CA: SAGE Publications.
1980.
ASSIGNMENT:
Web Investigation
Do a Google search on black feminism. What do you get? Now try one on feminism. How is it
different? Play around with various combinations of black women, women, etc. Try it in Scholar,
News and general Google. Write a 250 word response on what you found. (20 points)
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The Psychology of Black Women —
1. Jones, Charisse and Shorter-Goodwin, Kumea. “The Many Shifts of Black Women.”
Chapter 3 in Shifting: The Double Lives of Black Women in America, 60-92. New York:
Harper Collins Publisher. 2003.
2. Jones, Charisse and Shorter-Goodwin, Kumea. “The Sisterella Complex: Black Women
and Depression.” Chapter 5 in Shifting: The Double Lives of Black Women in America,
60-92. New York: Harper Collins Publisher. 2003.
ASSIGNEMENT:
Black Girls Rock and Hollywood Divas
Watch 25 minutes of the 2015 Black Girls Rock Awards show
http://www.blackgirlsrockinc.com/ and 20 minutes an episode of Hollywood Divas
http://tvone.tv/category/shows/hollywood-divas/ Hollywood Divas. In 250 words or less
describe your thoughts about the shows. How does what you saw connect to the readings on
Black women’s? (25points)
Physical Health and Reproductive Rights
Barbee, Evelyn L. and Little, Marilyn. “Health, Social Class and African-American Women,” in
Theorizing Black Feminisms, 182-203. James, Stanlie M. and Busia, Abena, P.A., eds. New
York: Routledge, 1993.
1. Chisholm, Shirley. “Facing the Abortion Question”, in Words of Fire: An Anthology of
African-American Feminist Thought, 389-395. Guy-Sheftall, Beverly, ed. New York:
W.W. Norton & Company, 1995.
2. Bass, Margaret K. “On Being a Fat Black Girl in a Fat-Hating Culture”, in Recovering
the Black Female Body: Self-Representations by African American Women, 219-230.
Bennett, Michael and Dickerson, Vanessa D., eds. New Brunswick: Rutgers University
Press, 2001.
ASSIGNMENT:
(1) Search the internet for Rae Lewis-Thornton: Diva Living with AIDS. After your
search upload a 250 word response to what you found on the forum in Moodle.
Questions to consider: What did you learn about Ms. Lewis-Thornton? What about her
story specifically speaks about black feminist theory? How does her narrative connect to
the readings in this section? What stood out for you about her narrative? Can you relate
to her story? If so, how?
(2) Read at least three (3) of your classmate responses.
(3) Comment on two of the three responses you read.
(4) Grades will be based on your individual response and, the comments your leave with
your classmates.
God, Goddess and Religion —
1. Harris-Perry, Melissa. “God” in Sister Citizen: Shame Stereotypes, and Black Women in
America, 221-265. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2001.
2. Hutchinson, Sikivu. “Beyond the Sacrificial Good Woman: Black Feminism and Free
Thought.” in the Feminist Wire. http://www.thefeministwire.com/2011/08/beyond-thesacrificial-good-woman-black-feminism-and-freethought/
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3. Tesfamariam, Rahiel. “The Importance of God in our Lives as Black Women,” The
Washington Post, July 13, 2012.
4. hooks, bell. “Sweet Communion,” Sisters of the Yam: black women and self-recovery,
149-162. Boston: South End Press, 1993.
The (Mis) Education of the Black Woman —
1. Cannon, Katie G. “The Emergence of Black Feminist Consciousness.” In Katie’s
Cannon: Womanism and the Soul of the Black Community, 38-46. New York: Continuum
Publishing Company, 2002.
2. Morgan, Joan. “hip-hop feminist,” in when chickenheads come home to roost: my life as
a hip-hop feminist, 49-62. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1999.
3. Giovanni, Nikki. “Ego Tripping” in Honey, Hush! An Anthology of African American
Women’s Humor, 4-6. Dance, Daryl C. ed. New York K W.W. Norton & Company,
1998.
Mid-Term
The mid-term will be in the format of short answer and definitions. The exam will be uploaded
into Moodle a week before it is due.
Wealth: Where's My Money? —
hooks, bell. “Work Makes Life Sweet,” Sisters of the Yam: black women and self-recovery, 4152. Boston: South End Press, 1993.
ASSIGNMENT 1—Internet Investigations
Watch Rihannas’ video, B----- Better Have My Money
Internet Investigation: Clock Out for Black Women
Internet Investigation: Black women on welfare
Internet Investigation: Black women and wealth building
ASSIGNMENT 2—Moodle Forum
(1) After your searches upload a 250 word response to what you saw and what you found on
the forum in Moodle. Questions to consider: What did you find in your investigations?
How does what you found relate to bell hooks’ reading? What is hooks’ argument
regarding work and black women?
(2) Read at least 3 of your classmate responses.
(3) Comment on two other responses. Comments should be of substance. They should be
well thought out to include your observations, your reactions and your questions. They
are not to be a one word thought such as, “good job”. Each response should be different.
You may comment on your classmates comments if appropriate however, your main
response should be to the original response submitted by your colleagues.
(4) Grades will be based on your individual response and, the comments your leave with
your classmates.
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Can Black Women "Lean In"? —
1. Davis, Deanna R., Maldonado, Cecilia. “Shattering the Glass Ceiling: the Leadership
Development of African American Women in Higher Education,” Advancing Women in
Leadership Vol. 35, pp. 48-64, 2015.
2. Taylor, Shawn T. and Nivens, Beatryce. “Risk and Reward: Black women Leading Out
on a Limb,” Anderson, Veronica, ed. The League of Black Women Global Leadership
Research Institute in Partnership with Deloitte and DePaul University
3. Garza, Alicia. “Where the Leadership of Black Women Can Take Us: No economic
opportunity agenda for women come be complete without Black women’s needs,
experiences and dreams at the forefront,” The Nation Magazine.
Oprah, Whoopi, Beyoncé…All Black Women Want a One Word Name
ASSIGNMENT
(1) Select two names from the list provided below and research each woman. Submit a 250
word paper on each person you selected into the Moodle forum.
(2) Read and comment on two (2) of your class-mates submissions.
(3) 100pts.
1. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
2. Madame C.J. Walker
3. Waris Dirie
4. Josephine Baker
5. Harriet Tubman
6. Ella Baker
7. Debra Nash
8. Septima Poinsetta Clark
9. Fannie Lou Hamer
10. Daisy Bates
11. Anna Arnold Hedgeman
12. Dorothy Height
13. Bessie Coleman
14. Amelia Boynton
15. Loretta Lynch
16. Misty Copeland
17. Marian Anderson
18. Patricia Era Bath
19. Alice Coachman
20. Marjorie Lee Browne
Condi, Michelle and Valarie: Black Women and Politics —
1. Curtis, Mary C. “Condi Rice, Valerie Jarrett and Lesly Stahal, on inevitably, ‘having’ it
all.” The Washington Post, March 6, 2013.
2. “A Recent History: Black Women’s Political Representation.” Huffington Post
3. Guerra, Maria. “Fact Sheet: The State of African American Women in the United
States.” Center for American Progress. November 7, 2013.
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4. Dittmar, Kelly. “The Status of Black Women in American Politics.” A Report by the
Center for American Women and Politics for Higher Heights Leadership Fund. Rutgers
University, Center for American Women and Politics.
Images of Black Women in Black, White and Color —
1. Rooks, Noliwe and Gaskins, Bill. “Wearing Your Race Wrong: Hair, Drama, and a
Politics of Representation for African American Women at Play on a Battlefield.” in
Recovering the Black Female body: Self-Representations by African American Women,
279-295. Bennett, Michael and Dickerson, Vanessa D., eds. New Brunswick: Rutgers
University Press, 2001.
2. West, Carolyn M. “Mammy, Jezebel, Sapphire, and their Homegirls: Developing an
“Oppositional Gaze” in Toward the Images of Black Women, 286-299J. C. Chrisler, C.
Golden, & P. D. Rozee (Eds.). Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press, Inc. (Original work
published 2008)
ASSIGNMENT
(1) Watch all 6 profiles of, “Being a Black Woman” by Whitney Shefte and Grace Koerber
on the internet http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/nation/shifting-portraitsof-the-american-black-woman/
NOTE: if the site does not come up, type in “Shifting portraits of the American black
woman”
(2) Submit a 100 word response.
Love, Sex, Relationships and Violence —
1. Crenshaw, Kimberle. “Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and
Violence Against Women of Color.” Stanford Law Review 43, no 6. (July 1991): 12411229.
2. Morgan, Joan. “strongblackwomen -n- endangeredblackmen…this is not a love story,”
when chickenheads come home to roost: my life as a hip-hop feminist, 49-62. New York:
Simon & Schuster, 1999.
3. Davis, Angela Y. “I Used to Be Your Sweet Mama,” in Blues Legacies and Black
Feminism: Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday, 3-41. New York:
Panthenon Books, 1998.
4. Richie, Beth E., “Battered Black Women: A Challenge for the Black Community,” in
Words of Fire: An Anthology of African-American Feminist Thought, 397-404. GuySheftall, Beverly, ed. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1995.
This Bridge Called my Back —
1. Rushin, Kate. “The Bridge Poem.” in This Bridge Called my Back: Writings by Radical
Women of Color. Moraga, Cherrie and Anzaldua, Gloria, eds., xxi-xxii. New York:
Kitchen Table Women of Color Press, 1981.
2. Smith, Sharon. “Black Feminism and Intersectionality” in International socialist Review
(ISR) Issue #91.
3. Walker, Alice. “Alice Walker’s Definition of a “Womanist,” in In Search of My Mothers’
Gardens: Womanist Prose. 1983.
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ASSIGNMENT 1—Your poem
Watch Kate Rushin perform “The Bridge Poem”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN76iunaUQc
Record your version of “The Bridge Poem” and submit a 100 word response on your
interpretation of the poem.
ASSIGNMENT 2-The Intersectionality Exercise
This assignment will be uploaded into Moodle a week before it is due.
Sisterhood: All types of Sororities and Friendship —
1. Giddings, Paula. “Enter Mary McLeod Bethune.” In When and Where I Enter: The
Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in America, 199-215. New York: Quill
William Morrow, 1984.
2. Davis, Angela Y. “Mama’s Got the Blues: Rivals, Girlfriends, and Advisors,” in Blues
Legacies and Black Feminism: Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday,
42-65. New York: Panthenon Books, 1998.
3. A Black Feminist’s Search for Sisterhood.
Ain't I A Woman? —
1. Truth, Sojourner. “Women’s Rights”, in Words of Fire: An Anthology of AfricanAmerican Feminist Thought, 36. Guy-Sheftall, Beverly, ed. New York: W.W. Norton &
Company, 1995.
2. Truth, Sojourner. “When Women Gets Her Rights Man Will Be Right”, In Words of
Fire: An Anthology of African-American Feminist Thought, 37-38. Guy-Sheftall,
Beverly, ed. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1995.
3. Tally, Justine. “Why “Womanism”? The Genesis of a New Word and What it Means.”
The Women’s Press. 205-221.
Final Paper Due
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