The APSIA Black Panther in International Affairs Digital Syllabus makes it easy for faculty to connect introductory concepts in international affairs to content from the 2018 Black Panther movie. It was developed by Alumnus and Professor Levar Lamar Smith and former APSIA Executive Director Carmen Iezzi Mezzera.
The syllabus offers content under different Concepts:
- Frameworks for Organizing the International System (Theories such as Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, Colonialism, Feminist IR, Isolationism)
- Domestic Politics and International Relations
- Frameworks of International Development
- Public Diplomacy and Perception [of Africa]
Each concept includes recommendations on
- Clips from the movie that illustrate the concept
- Suggested readings for undergraduate and graduate students to complement the clips
- Suggested discussion questions to use in class, based on the readings and the clips
- Suggested next steps to help students engage with that concept in their professional development
- [Supplementary videos featuring experts connecting the concept and the clip- Forthcoming]
Faculty are encouraged to use any and all parts of the syllabus to illustrate these key concepts for students.
NOTE: There are many spoilers for those who have not seen the film.
The Black Panther in International Affairs Digital Syllabus was developed with support from
Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security (WCAPS) works to advance the leadership and professional development of women of color in the fields of international peace, security, and conflict transformation. As of April 2024, WCAPS has chapters in Brasil, Canada, Colombia, France, Georgia (US), Ghana, New York, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the US West Coast.
[1] Black Panther and all its properties do not belong to APSIA or any other parties thereby associated. All rights belong to their owners.