An intensive introduction to African American political thought that focuses on major ideological trends and political philosophies as they have been applied and interpreted by African Americans. Elements of the class include debates and conflicts in black political thought, historical contest of African American social movements, and discussions of the relationship between black political thought and major trends in Western thought.Mark Sawyer is an Associate Professor of African American Studies and Political Science at UCLA and the Director of the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity and Politics. He also has interest in the area of race, immigration and citizenship around the globe. He is a member of the American Political Science Association, and the National Conference of Black Political Scientists.