The History of the Black Church in America from the 1600s to the Present: A Curriculum Course For Students at Spelman College is an academic course that seeks to further the student's appreciation for the Black Church.

Appreciation as understanding is vital to both the teaching and the learning process; therefore, each person's ability to appreciate and/or learn is distinctive, i.e., the individual is unique, and therefore, each person's ability to appreciate and/or understand should be measured/or assessed as such.

Quite often there exists a defiance among some students of required courses in religious studies. Some don't see the connection or the relevance with religious studies as they pursue their intended careers.

With such existing attitudes, it is the opportunity and the privilege of the professor to explore innovative methods, techniques, and exercises - e.g., guest lecturers, DVD viewings, travels to religious sites, creation of religions (group), or whatever the professor deems appropriate to ensure the student's opportunity to fulfill the goals and the objectives as set forth by the professor.

Institutions of higher learning called historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, exist as institutions that seek to celebrate life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. HBCUs exist as beacons of light, filled with prepared women and men who have accepted and acknowledged the "call" and the challenge to further serve humankind as teachers-role models, demonstrating excellence. "To whom much is given, much is required" (Luke 12:48).