Begins by considering some of the major themes, controversies and personalities in African American history, 1865-1920, in an attempt to contextualize the surge of Black cultural production known as the Harlem Renaissance. The course then focuses on the Renaissance itself, and particularly on the racial, class and gender politics that informed the creation of literature, music and art by African Americans in New York City in the 1920s and 1930s. Normally taught on location in New York City. Restriction: Students cannot obtain credit for both HIST 3455 and HIST 4455.