The works of over 75 communication scholars have consistently traced the markers of communication in African American life. There exists a complex and varied corpus that is necessarily interdisciplinary and multifarious in perspectives and context. The space(s) is theirs to define and, perhaps, to claim. Such studies may reward scholars most when…

Presents a historical perspective on important questions about the scientific status of Afrocentricity, its thrust toward community, advocates of Afrocentrism, nationalism and communality, gender issues, and Afrocentricity's role in comparative studies. The current emergence of African-American studies curricula in universities reflect a…

Considers Black Studies as a vital social science, and recommends Afrocentrism as the guiding principle for Black Studies. Identifies the mission of Afrocentrism discipline as a solution to the cultural problems of the African diaspora. (DA)

Discusses new directions for African-American studies curricula. Argues that the Afrocentrist perspective presents a static model that does not adequately address the dynamic interaction of Afrocentric sensibility with Western-dominated economic, cultural, and political structures. The African-American studies discipline should be conceptualized…

Argues that traditional sociology has treated Black studies as peripheral to the study of human behavior. Proposes a paradigm that includes an emphasis on Afrocentric perspective and a methodology that combines positivist and critical methodologies. (FMW)

Examines the scope of African American studies, its origins, and its development and autonomy as an academic discipline. The meaning of Afrocentrism, the concept of centrism that lies at the core of the discipline of African American studies, the Africalogical method of criticism, and what constitutes the mission of Africalogy are discussed. (GR)

The article describes Temple University's doctoral program in African-American studies, notes the awarding of the first Ph.D. in the program, and discusses controversy surrounding the Afrocentric emphasis of the program. (DB)

The Afrocentric theories of Molefi Kete Asante are examined as they relate to drama. It is argued that the fundamental principle in understanding African-American drama rests on viewing it as a means of total creation deriving power from the interaction of the self, the community, and the cosmos. (SLD)

Reviews the history of African-American studies and explores its future. Three groups of scholarly practitioners in African-American studies are discussed as (1) traditionalists; (2) authentists and/or Afrocentrists; and (3) African-American feminists. Contributions of each group are examined, and the role of each in the future is considered. (SLD)

Argues that, as a movement, Afrocentrism is a clever but essentially simple-minded hustle that, in its desire to have the power to define, often justifies low-quality scholarship. Its central failure is the failure to recognize what African Americans have done to realize the truest meanings of democratic possibility. (SLD)

Afrofemcentrism--Afro-female-centered consciousness in the visual arts--has found its ideological and aesthetic fruition in the sculpture of Elizabeth Catlett and Faith Ringgold. They depict Black women's realities and portray Black women as primary, active, and real-typed. (BJV)

The essays in this collection place the current Afrocentric movement in its historical context and offer alternative suggestions about how to teach African American students about their history. The first section deals with the roots of Afrocentrism, analyzes the content of Afrocentric books and curricula, and discusses the impact of Afrocentrism…

A model for a proposed African-American studies discipline is based on the assumptions that African-American experiences are worth studying, historical experiences of peoples of African descent can inform others about human issues, and distinctive historic and cultural African-American experiences exist. Five steps in a African-American studies…

Presents issues and methods used in teaching an African American psychology course. Discusses theories about Afrocentrism, identity, education, family, and mental health as they relate to African Americans. Contends that the course adds diverse perspectives to the psychology curriculum. (CFR)

This essay offers reflections on Black consciousness and Afrocentrism in the United States, especially as movements in education. The paper opens by recalling the history of oppression and rejection that influences the African American heritage. Next, the essay traces some highlights in the development of ideas of race consciousness from the early…