New Course: The New African Diaspora: African Immigrants in West Philadelphia

The New African Diaspora: African Immigrants in West Philadelphia:

AFST 167-601/AFRC 167-601/HIST 167-601/URBS 167-601

This Academically Based Community Service (ABCS) seminar examines the experiences of recent African immigrants and refugees in Philadelphia and includes both academic and service components.   In addition to sampling the literature on African migration and surveying the countries and situations from which African migrants come, the class will explore the many dimensions of African immigrant lives in West Philadelphia.  These include gender and generational roles; issues of religious, racial, and political identity; the effects of international and national immigration policies; the roles of public, private, and non-profit agencies which deal with immigrants in Philadelphia; health and educational issues; and African immigrant relations with their host communities.  We will compare African experiences with those of other immigrant groups in Philadelphia.

Students will consult a variety of sources--newspapers, census data, legal briefs, literature and film, and diaspora Internet sites--to explore the lives, aspirations, and perceptions of Philadelphia's African residents.  Some activities, including at least 10 hours of community service per month, will take place outside of normal seminar hours; these are considered part of the course requirement.


Wednesday: 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Prof: Dr. Cheikh Babou & Dr. Lee Casanelli