Professor: Campbell Course format: Lecture w/section Number of respondents: 62 Total Enrollment: 78 Class Composition: Froshs: 33 Sophs: 24 Jrs: 11 Srs: 8 Concs: 12 Non-Concs: 38 Don't Know: 8

Instructor Average: 1.35 Course Average: 1.36

African American history is often oversimplified or ignored in social studies classes. “African American History, 1876 to the Present” attempts to remedy this shortcoming, bringing to light black struggles after the Civil War, black influences on American popular culture, and the role of race in shaping current affairs. Historical accounts are not limited to a single perspective. Reviewers said that general knowledge of U.S. history was useful, although most background information was covered in lectures.

Students held Professor James Campbell in high esteem. They raved about his eloquence, listening abilities, and willingness to express – even editorialize – opinions on various subjects. They added that he was always enthusiastic, animating his lectures with amusing anecdotes. Students appreciated his organization and well-designed outlines. The enormous class size was one of few reasons for complaint. Some people couldn’t ask questions during class time or office hours, as the line to see the professor was usually long. However, those who did speak to him in a smaller setting said he was lenient and agreeable.

The course required intensive reading, which most considered worthwhile. They were especially fascinated by the primary sources and biographies. Reviewers were asked to complete a midterm exam and a ten-page paper. These assignments were reasonable, but students felt that the topics for both were too broad. In addition, they would have preferred to receive more feedback from the professor, perhaps through response papers.

Respondents devoted widely varying amounts of time to this course; some spent as few as two hours a week on it while others spent up to ten hours. People at the higher end of the spectrum noted that their personal interest in the subject induced them to spend more time with readings. Respondents strongly encourage students to take this class, or another taught by Professor Campbell. Any course with this instructor, they say, will undoubtedly be enriching.

View AC/0174 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.