Edinburgh University Press African Amer Studies

Introducing Ethnic Studies Series Editor: Robert Con Davis-Undiano, University of Oklahoma Providing the latest and the best of what is being thought in Ethnic Studies, each volume in this series provides a comprehensive introduction to the topics that are raised in discussions about ethnicity in contemporary culture. African American Studies Edited by Jeanette R. Davidson PhD ACSW This book presents the diverse, expansive nature of African American Studies and its characteristic interdisciplinarity. It is intended for use with undergraduate/ beginning graduate students in African American Studies, American Studies and Ethnic Studies. Section I focuses on the historical development of the field and the diverse theoretical perspectives utilized in African American Studies. Section II examines African American Studies' commitment to community service and social activism, and includes exclusive interviews with acclaimed actor/activist Danny Glover and renowned scholar, Manning Marable. Section III presents international perspectives. Section IV includes selected areas of scholarship: Oral History as an important research methodology; African American Philosophy; African Aesthetics (song and dance); perspectives on Womanism, Black Feminism and Africana Womanism with a focus on literature; and African American Religion. The book concludes with African American Studies' strengths and challenges and demonstrates that it is vital, transformative and sustainable for universities and communities. Jeanette R. (Carlisle) Davidson PhD ACSW is Director of African & African American Studies and Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Oklahoma. She has published extensively in areas of race and cultural competency; white privilege in academic and practice settings; and interracial marriage. She serves as a social work consultant and is a board member of local and national professional/community organizations. Professor Davidson was born in Scotland.