GEHRHSD Curriculum Guide 2026-27

AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES Grades 10-12, 5 Credits

This course provides context of the role and contributions of African Americans in the growth and development of the United States, from the 17th Century through modern times. Through the voices of a diverse array of authors, representing a wide spectrum of social and literary perspectives, students will be exposed to the historical, political, economic, and cultural forces that shape our understanding of the achievements and struggles of African-descended people in the United States. From gospel and spirituals to hip-hop and R&B, from abolitionists on the Underground Railroad to the underground, avant-garde art of the Harlem Renaissance, from 20th Century civil rights movements to 21st Century justice movements, students will examine a variety of genres, from poems and short stories, to biographies, essays and novels. In addition to the curricular materials, students will have the opportunity to select a topic for further exploration and in-depth research. This multidisciplinary course examines the breadth of African American experiences through direct encounters with rich and varied sources, drawing from the fields of literature, the arts and humanities, political science, geography, science, and more. AP AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES Grades 9-12, 5 Credits OHS