First AP African American Studies Course Launched

Earlier this year, Hamden Hall was selected by the College Board as one of 63 schools nationwide to pilot a new course, AP African American Studies, with Director of Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity Dr. Lisa Hill at the helm. Now the pilot program has launched for the 2022-2023 academic year.

 

“The course encourages students to examine each theme from a variety of perspectives, without ideology, in line with the field’s tradition of debates,” said Dr. Hill who also serves as History Dept. Chair. “It is an exciting venture, and I've reminded the students they are helping to set the stage for this course as it continues to run in the future.”

 

With 14 students currently enrolled, the course takes the interdisciplinary approach to incorporate different branches of learning. Writing, works of art, music, dance, political science, history, geography, science, and other subjects will be taught and analyzed throughout the curriculum.

 

The course is divided into four units starting with the Origins of the African Diaspora (~8th century CE-16th century), Freedom, Enslavement and Resistance (~16th century CE-1865), The Practice of Freedom (1865-1960s), and Movements and Debates (1960s-early 2000s).

 

Dr. Hill noted that students should expect to consider competing views about challenging topics and to appropriately and rigorously weigh evidence.

 

“I hope the students will appreciate the exploration of the vital contributions and varied experiences of African Americans,” said Dr. Hill. “They/we are literally at the forefront of creating an exceptional curriculum that should endure for many years to come.”

 

In addition to instructing the course, Dr. Hill was selected by College Board to serve on the Course Development Committee prior to the rollout. Her responsibilities included meeting with College Board facilitators and dozens of other experienced educators to have discussions on creating the course framework, content, assessment questions, and other necessary resources.