AFR 384
Media, Race, and U.S. Black Families Spring 2023
Division II
Cross-listed AFR 384 / PSYC 363

In this course, we will work to synthesize what we know about some of the key socializing forces for U.S. Black youth today. We will focus on how families, entertainment media, and the news can socialize Black children. Drawing on a range of theories and data we will examine how family members communicate about issues of identity and how media can come into play. What do we know about how U.S. Black families communicate about identity? What gaps remain in our knowledge, and how can we find the answers? What can we learn about today’s media content when we apply research-informed lenses? What predictions can we make about its potential uses and effects among Black families? We will identify central research areas that warrant further attention and consider which methodologies would best work to fill those gaps. We will prioritize approaches that highlight the agency and strength of U.S. Black families and of youth themselves.