Course Descriptions

HIS 103 - African-American History I: to 1865

3 Credits

The course will introduce students to information about the life of people who were enslaved, including some strategies enslaved people adopted to attempt to transcend their circumstances. Students will learn about the fight for the abolishment of slavery and the steps leading up to the end of chattel slavery in America. In addition, the course highlights the varied achievements and contributions African Americans have made in America. The course will also introduce students to information about the origins and establishment of white supremacist ideology.

Learning Attributes: WR

New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice, SUNY - U.S. History and Civic Engagement

Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-AH - American History (SAMH)

MCC General Education: MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD), MCC-VE - Values and Ethics (MVE)

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Recall the most significant events in African-American history from Colonial period to Civil War.
2. Discuss selected West African ancient empires and kingdoms.
3. Outline the process of enslavement from capture to seasoning (forced acclimatization through brutal regimen).
4. Discuss the experience of women who were enslaved and their role in the fight for the abolishment of slavery.
5. Summarize the coping and survival strategies that enslaved people developed during their enslavement in America.
6. Discuss how slavery produced class distinctions within the enslaved population.
7. Identify the contributions of black people to American society from Colonial period to Civil War.
8. Demonstrate and apply historical knowledge to the advancement of positive race relations.

Use links below to see if this course is offered:
Fall Semester 2025
Spring Semester 2025
Summer Session 2025