Introduction to Afrofuturism

This course provides a foundational exploration of Afrofuturism, a cultural movement that blends science fiction, fantasy, and history with the experiences of the African diaspora. You'll learn how Afrofuturism reshapes Black identity by imagining empowered futures, reclaiming history, and integrating African mythology with technology. Through lessons on literature, music, visual arts, and historical influences, this course introduces key figures such as Octavia Butler, Sun Ra, and Samuel R. Delany, and explores how their work laid the groundwork for modern Afrofuturist thought. Each lesson includes engaging discussions, creative assignments, and opportunities for reflection, encouraging you to see Afrofuturism as both a philosophy and a tool for liberation.

Afrofuturism in Music, Film, and Art

This course dives deep into the creative expressions of Afrofuturism through music, film, and visual art. You'll explore how artists across different mediums use Afrofuturist themes to challenge narratives, redefine Black identity, and imagine alternative futures. From the cosmic jazz of Sun Ra to the cinematic revolution of Black Panther, and from the surreal collages of Wangechi Mutu to futuristic hip-hop aesthetics, this course highlights how sound, image, and performance bring Afrofuturist visions to life. You'll analyze the role of technology, digital media, and new storytelling techniques, while also engaging in hands-on creative assignments designed to inspire your own speculative artistic expression.

Advanced Themes in Afrofuturism and Political Resistance

This course examines Afrofuturism as a tool for social change, exploring how speculative thought intersects with activism, historical revisionism, and identity politics. You'll analyze how Afrofuturist works challenge colonial histories, reclaim time, and envision alternative systems of justice and governance. Through discussions on Afrofuturism’s role in movements like #WakandaTheVote, the Black Speculative Arts Movement, and the Octavia’s Brood anthology, this course emphasizes how creative storytelling can be a form of resistance. You'll also develop your own Afrofuturist project—whether a short story, visual piece, or multimedia work—bringing together what you’ve learned to create your own vision of the future.