About the Course.
Welcome to the African American Experience. This full year online course shall focus on examining the experiences of African Americans in the context of both America and their related experiences throughout the African Diaspora. Students of the course will shall be exposed to the historical, social, economic, international, cultural, political and religious systems and social constructs that have shaped the experiences of African Americans.
A Course Beyond History
The purpose of this course is for students to learn more than historical events and figures. It aims to go beyond teaching through the traditional lens of the “what, “when,” and “where” approach of learning history and delves into the “why?” Therefore, for this course, our purpose will be to have a greater grasp and understanding of the African American Experience from the human behavioral perspective. Not just to understand how the events in history have impacted African Americans in both the past and present but also to better educate those who wish to advocate and advance the causes that African American movements have built themselves upon today.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is designed for students in grades 9-12 and adults who have an interest in taking an African American studies course due to the fact they were not afforded the opportunity in either High School or College. It is important to note that this course is for individuals who can handle mature and difficult topics. In addition, being that this is a virtual course, having the ability to work independently will be key. What you put into the course is what you will get out of the course.
About the Instructor
L-Mani S.Viney has taught African American, World and United States History over the course of 21 years at Piscataway High School. He is responsible for writing the curriculum and teaching the African American Experience course at the high school before being promoted to Dean of Students in 2020. He is the NJ State Amistad Teacher of the Year and has been asked to speak on numerous occasions, including the National Black Studies Conference, regarding his unique philosophical approach to teaching African American History on the secondary school level.
Teaching Black history has always been a personal drive being the son of two long time educators who also were Black activists in the 1960’s and 70’s in NJ. He also credits being influenced by his Black Studies professors at Boston College where he immersed himself in subjects pertaining to the African Diaspora. For him then and now the biggest question he continues to ask is “how is it all connected?” Making the argument that the African American Experience is not one that exists in a silo but one that is a microcosm of the experiences of those throughout the Diaspora.
For more information on Mr. Viney, click below