Reimagining african american studies [reimagining african american studies at illinois college will expand african american studies through a public humanities approach, increase faculty expertise,…

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) awarded a $149,178 Project Grant to Illinois College under the Promotion of the Humanities Teaching and Learning Resources and Curriculum Development program (CFDA 45.162). The grant funding will be used to expand the African American Studies curriculum and programming at Illinois College through a public humanities approach. Key objectives include:

1. Engaging at least 15 faculty members in two summer curriculum development institutes to substantially revise or create 8 African American Studies courses that will also fulfill general education requirements.

2. Developing 7 humanities-focused African American Studies curriculum modules for integration into non-humanities courses, especially in pre-professional disciplines.

3. Supporting 6 undergraduate students in a new community-based humanities internship at the new Jacksonville African American Museum.

4. Launching an annual half-day Sankofa Symposium focused on African American history and culture.

The project will be led by Dr. Brittney Yancy, Assistant Professor of History and African American Studies, and is scheduled for completion by May 31, 2027.

Reimagining african american studies [reimagining african american studies at illinois college will expand african american studies through a public humanities approach, increase faculty expertise, develop curriculum, and improve community engagement. Project objectives include: (1) engaging at least 15 faculty members in two summer curriculum development institutes; (2) substantially revising or creating eight courses for the african american studies minor that will also meet general education requirements; (3) creating at least seven humanities-focused african american studies curriculum modules for use in non-humanities courses, especially in pre-professional disciplines; (4) supporting six undergraduates in a new community-based humanities internship at the new jacksonville african american museum; and (5) launching a half-day, annual sankofa symposium focused on african american history and culture. DR. Brittney yancy, assistant professor of history and african american studies, will serve as the project director.]