Amma Y. Ghartey-Tagoe '01 likens Afro-American Studies 10: "Introduction to Afro-American Studies" to a religious experience.

"[Af-Am 10] isn't a class, it's like attending church on a Sunday morning," Ghartey-Tagoe says. "I was sitting in the front row going 'mm-hmmmm' and 'amen' to everything [Fletcher University] Professor [Cornel] West '74 was saying."

West's lecturing style has gained such a following, in fact, that numerous first-years say they have been advised to sit in on the class even if they are not enrolled.

But West's unexpected one-year leave of absence for personal and medical reasons, and other absences in the Afro-American studies department have left students with fewer options this semester.

Missing in Action

West's absence and the subsequent reworking of the course have led to smaller enrollment figures for Af-Am 10, which is being offered this semester by Professor of Afro-American Studies and Philosophy K. Anthony Appiah.

Af-Am 10 was not offered last semester because the department did not know of West's sickness until late summer. Students were actually informed of the cancellation as they were waiting for class to begin during fall shopping period.

While Appiah is running the course this semester, he says other department members will guest lecture in an attempt to both introduce students to the material and to the department.