Radical Black Feminism

What is the course about?

The course is about radical black feminist thought, politics, activism in relation to Black women’s relationship to multiple entangled systems of oppression, and their visions of human emancipation and a more just world. It situates radical black feminism within a genealogy of earlier modern expressions of Black women’s radical self-liberation and Black liberation consciousness and their proto/feminist resistance to Western imperialism, slavery, capitalism, racism, patriarchy and sexism. We explore two key moments in the twentieth century development of radical Black feminist thought and activism in the USA and the UK, tracing their linked yet distinct genealogies of modern radical thought and activism; We examine the radical black feminist politics of difference and its manifestations in theory and activism. The course concludes with an examination of the contemporary radical black abolition feminist movement and its challenge to liberal and conservative black feminisms.

What will we cover?

Defining radical black feminism and its changing forms of radicalism; early forms of Black women’s radical woman-centred Black consciousness and resistance in early modern slave rebellions, anti-colonial resistance in Africa, the Pan-African movement and in 19th and early 20th century civil rights in the USA; the emergence of the black feminist movement in the USA and in the UK in the 1970s; intersectionality theory; Black feminist theories and theorists; radical black and women of colour abolition feminism and its challenge to liberal and conservative black feminism and Black politics.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

Describe and discuss:

- how modern post-1970s radical black feminism is inseparable from the longer history of the development of Black women’s self- and Black liberation consciousness and activism against the effects of Western imperial domination in Africa and the African Diaspora;

- how these varied expressions of radical Black consciousness and proto-feminism are shaped by the different times and places in which Black women live and their distinct, yet shared experiences of persistent and flexible global systems of racialised and gendered oppression and injustice;

- the core principles and political perspectives that constitute radical black feminism;

- the distinctions and tensions of radical, liberal and conservative black feminisms; the radical black feminist politics of difference; intersectionality theory; contemporary Black feminist movements, such as #MeToo, Say Her Name, Black Lives Matter, and Abolitionist feminism.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an introductory course, and no prior knowledge is required. Bring an open mind, a positive attitude and a willingness to engage in class discussions and activities with a commitment to fostering a mutual and respectful learning environment.

However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.

Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will be taught using lectures, in-class discussions, and audio-visual resources. In-class activities may include short passages of reading for discussion purposes. Optional reading and other online resources such as videos and short articles may be recommended and made available for students to access if you choose.

You will be taught by Dr. Denise Noble who is an innovative and experienced teacher, having taught African American and African Studies at the Ohio State University and having been part of the team that set of the Black Studies degree programme at Birmingham city University. Fully supporting the department’s vision, Denise wants Black Studies and Feminist and postcolonial studies to reach a wider audience and enable more people to learn more about the social and cultural history of the Black presence in Britain and its relationship to the history and sociology of race, racism, empire and decolonial/postcolonial politics.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for note taking.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Your tutor will share other related courses with you.

Please also explore our politics sections for additional courses.