Understanding “Black Identity” in the Context of Canadian Mainstream Culture

Course description

Identity is often referred to as the "loudest talk in town, the burning issue in everybody’s mind and tongue."

An exploration historical and contemporary experiences of "Black" people in Canada. How do particular people and institutions influence the way in which Black Canadians may perceive themselves as citizens of this country, and how do we work towards creating more equitable and socially just communities in Canada?

Using a dialectical approach imbedded in documentary films and scholarly articles, this course engages students in higher order thinking discussions with guest speakers of various cultural and professional backgrounds to share stories of marginalisation, discrimination, racism, ethnic struggles and/or integration successes into the mainstream Canadian culture.