(In) Visibly Black: Understanding Race, Racism and the Politics of Belonging in Berlin - Detailseite

How do our unconscious biases impact the way we view people within the African Diaspora? The course aims to explore intersectional inequalities of citizenship and the politics of Belonging and how our unconscious biases impact the way we view (Black) Africans and people within the African Diaspora. The relationship between migration, social cohesion and national German identity has become an increasingly contentious political issue. Historically, the settlement of migrant groups and the formation of minority ethnic groups have changed the socio-cultural, political and economic fabric of receiving societies. We will explore the relationship between racial and ethnocultural diversity. Students are encouraged to the intentional notion of undoing – unlearning and dismantling unjust practices, assumptions, and institutions – as well as persistent action to create and build alternative spaces and ways of knowing, particularly concerning the Black (African) Diaspora. Berlin will be used as a case study for themes covered, however, students are encouraged to reflect on their own identities and the expressions of various identities around the city. Class sessions will be composed of lectures, online discussions forums and an excursion through Berlin’s Black History. Course materials and readings are designed to give special emphasis to the African Diaspora initiatives and perspectives of shaping their own history. Ultimately the course provides students with a wide interdisciplinary introduction into the othering of (Black) Africans, so that students can interpret contemporary African issues with an informed historical background.

Language requirements: English B2

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This course is part of the Berlin Perspectives program for international exchange students. Regular degree-seeking students are also welcome to attend within the elective part of their study program. Courses are offered by the Career Center as part of the elective program üWP.

Berlin Perspectives seminars are specifically designed for undergraduate-level students. As a master's student, please check with your university beforehand to confirm whether the study points can be recognized.

Upon completion of the seminar, students will receive 5 ECTS.

The detailed syllabus for this course is available on the Berlin Perspectives website:
https://hic.hu-berlin.de/en/berlin-perspectives/courses 

Registration for the Summer Semester 2024 is open until 9 April 2024.

Places are allocated via Agnes through a lottery procedure (not on a first-come, first-served basis).

You will be notified by 12 April 2024 if you have been allocated a place.

Please make sure to attend the first session to confirm your participation. If you have changed your mind about the course, kindly sign out in Agnes. Other students will be happy to take your place in the seminar.

If you were placed on the waiting list, there is still a chance of moving up in the first few weeks of the semester if other students decide to drop the course. In that case, please inform the teachers of your interest.