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EXPLORING AFROFUTURISM

African Culture and Futuristic Fashion

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Grade Levels : 7-8 (Junior High School)

  • I feel like this age group needs this information because it’s something that I think they will find very interesting and it’s also something they can even participate in.
  • The topic itself seems very interactive which is something most students would look forward to

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Course Description

  • The lesson will help cover what Afrofuturism is and what influence it has on fashion in a futuristic sense. Students will investigate Afrofuturism in all different forms but the main form will be fashion due to some futuristic forms that are seen around in movies, novels, and different sources of technology. Through classroom activities and various group projects students will learn to become accustomed to the cultural dynamic of expressions and how these different dynamics play a role in the futuristic narratives of fashion. By the end of this unit the students will be asked to design their very own fashion pieces using both the futuristic and traditional side of Afrofuturism

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Course Objectives

  • Understanding Afrofuturism : Defining Afrofuturism and explain is role in combining the traditional and futuristic culture of Afrofuturism
  • Cultural and Technological Exploration : Explain how technology and different aspects of explorations of African traditions have an impact on fashion
  • Develop : Apply what you know and begin to create your very own designs of Afro Futuristic fashion
  • Collaborate : Work in groups with others to analyze and design different fashion pieces
  • Reflection : Reflect on what fashion is and what it means to wear certain clothes

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Required Text

  • “Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Culture” by Ytasha Womack – Gives a very indepth explanation of the roots and the impact on culture
  • “Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet” by Ta-Nehisi Coates – Offers insight into fashion and futuristic technology
  • “The History of African Textiles” by John Gillow – Talks of the African textiles which helps explain why these elements fit into the design
  • “The Future of Fashion: Afrofuturist Styles and Trends” - Offers insight as to how Afrofuturism has an influence on the modern era.
  • Online Resources and Documentaries on Afrofuturism (e.g., The Rise of Afrofuturism documentary) - Allows students to deepen their knowledge of futuristic fashion

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Assignments

  • Afrofuturism Research Project
  • Fashion Design Sketchbook
  • Group Presentation on Afrofuturism in the Popular Media
  • Cultural and Futuristic Fashion Show
  • Reflection Essay

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Additional Activities

  • Field trips to different museums and exhibits : Able to give students a hand-on experience
  • Guess Speakers : Maybe a fashion designer or someone who works in the field of Afrofuturism