AFR 271 - Disease and Desire in Black Visual Cultures

It is often taken for granted how the geographic distribution of suffering is mapped over the boundaries defined by gender, race, and class. Advancements in our understanding of the biological roots of disease have translated into a direct relationship between poor health and moral failures of individual nature. Yet, ailments affecting Black, Brown, female and/or gender-non-conforming bodies remain blatantly unacknowledged and under-researched. This class offers an introduction to the theory and method of visual culture to approach the vexed relationship between disease and desire. In doing so, we will explore understandings of health and healing that are deeply rooted beyond the body and in the social across the Black Atlantic.

Satisfies a major and minor requirement in Africana Studies
Satisfies a major and minor requirement in Gender and Sexuality Studies
Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement 
Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community requirement