AFS 394 Final Exam Study Guide - Spring 2016

Directions:
The Final Examination will be a blue book written exam given in class Monday May 16th
2:15 5 pm in our regular classroom . It will be divided into two sections: All must answer
the question in Part I (FOUR BLUE BOOK PAGES) (40%). You must choose three
questions to answer in Part II. I will select six on exam day from which you must answer
three. In other words, you should be prepared to answer several of them. (TWO BLUE
BOOK PAGES EACH) (20% each). For that part, be sure to specify which question you are
answering. This is will be an in-class exam. As such, it should reflect high standards of analysis,
critical thinking and preparation. I am looking for evidence of original thinking and opinions
backed up by evidence from your readings such as quotes, examples, and supporting
documents. Use the Notes which have been added to the Lectures section of Bb in
conjunction with the books to study. THE EXAM IS CLOSED BOOK SO BE SURE TO STUDY.
Part I: Sources (40%)
One of the goals of this class was to study the major architects of black nationalist thought in the
context of their distinct historical development. In so doing we examined the primary source
documents (writings and speeches) of several major thinkers throughout African-American
History and completed the course by discussing the Black Power Movement. In order to do this,
we used four main sources: Cronon , E. David. Black Moses: The Story of Marcus Garvey and
the Universal Negro Improvement Association; Moses, Wilson J. Classical Black Nationalism:
From the American Revolution to Marcus Garvey; Moses, Wilson J., The Golden Age of Black
Nationalism, 1850-1925; Ogbar, Jeffrey O. G. Black Power: Radical Politics and African
American Identity; Van Deburg, and William L. Modern Black Nationalism: From Marcus Garvey
to Louis Farrakhan. Three were narrative histories written by professional historians and the
others were collections of primary source documents. Consider both of these types of sources.
What is the difference between these two histories? Discuss the way in which these different
kinds of sources enhance the history or take away from the history (in your opinion). Back up
your assertions with specific examples about any given books strengths or weaknesses.
Discuss the political or historical philosophy. The attitudes or themes that the authors develop.
What insight does each work provide about the history? Use specific examples. In your paper,
evaluate all of these sources, discussing how they strengthened our understanding of Black
Nationalism as an ideology. This should be at least 4 (blue book) pages.

Part II. (60%)

1.) During the Black Power era, violence--- either state-sanctioned or directed at changing the
political fate of Black communities was a constant theme in the rhetoric of Black Power
groups. This contrasted sharply with earlier ideologies. Identify the various actors, political
organizations and events associated with the Black power movement. How were groups like
SNCC and The Black Panthers involved? How did they use violence to bring about change?
Was it effective? If so, how? If not, why not? Use examples.

2.) What is the political, economic, and social philosophy of black nationalism? How does it
contradict integrationisnism? Use examples from the class readings to argue for or against
black nationalism as a solution to the problems that face people of African descent in the United
States.
3.) What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of integrationism and black nationalism?
Identify at least one organization or leader that subscribes to each
ideology. Organizations and figures can be from anywhere along the timeline of
movements we discussed in class. Briefly explain why you think that they adhere to an
integrationist or black nationalist (discuss) ideology.
4.) Both Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X were assassinated at a time when they began to
develop a more international perspective on the condition of African-Americans. What are the
implications of each leaders changing perspective?
5.) Explain how the Cold War and the anti-communist movement in the United States affected
the most modern manifestation of Black Nationalismthe Black Power Movement. What has
been the role of the US government in the repression of the Black Freedom Movement.
6.) If "Bloody Lowndes" was the Crucible of the Black Power Movement, describe the different
elements which came together there and which combined a pressure to create a new
phenomenon. In other words, what were the different (historical, social, economic) elements
which merged in Lowndes County to create a new philosophy and method of struggle for Black
people?
7.) Why did the UNIA and Marcus Garvey appeal to so many working class blacks? Why was
he able to build a mass based institution in a way that had little parallel until the emergence of
the modern civil rights and black power movements of the 1960s. What was special: the
message or the messenger? Was the UNIA a success or a failure? Be sure to give specific
examples of Garveyisms strengths and weaknesses?
8.) What were the tensions between revolution and reform in the Black Power movement?
Which aspect was more successful? Why? Do you think the Black Power movement could
have been as successful without the previous context of non-violence? Explain. What were
womens roles in the Black Power movement? How did women shape policy and culture during
the period of Black Power?
9.) Was the Black Power movement a success? Do you consider the looseness of the meaning
of black power a positive or negative development in the context of the 1960's and 1970s? Do
you think the Black Power Movement could have been as successful without the previous
context of nonviolence? Explain.
10.) What were women's roles in the Black Power movement? How did women shape policy
and culture during the period of black power? In what ways was the Black Power Movement a
sexist movement? In what ways was it deficient in terms of including and valuing the
contributions of women? In what ways could this have been improved? What were some
examples of womens initiatives in Black Power?