Core Faculty Kamau Kemayo (literature and cultural production focus), Angela Winand (history)

Associated Faculty Rachell Anderson, Hugh Harris, William Jordan, Marcellus Leonard,  Durward Long, Deborah Kuhn McGregor, Livinus Odozor, James Stuart, Annette Van Dyke

Adjunct Faculty Luz Solano

Overview of the Program

The interdisciplinary African-American studies minor explores the creation and development of black life, history, culture, and thought in the United States. Coursework in the program examines the directions, trends, and products of African-American cultures from the arrival of the first Africans to the shores of North America to contemporary manifestations of those cultures. In addition, the program provides an introduction to classical African civilization and society. Elective coursework may examine the African Diaspora in Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Many African-American studies courses are cross-listed in other disciplines, in particular history, English, and women's studies. Students enrolled in African-American studies courses will receive a broad education in the appreciation of ethnicity, culture, history, and political and social philosophy.

Requirements of the Minor

Students fulfilling the minor in African-American studies will complete an introductory interdisciplinary core course, plus curriculum in History, Literature/Creative Expression, plus upper division elective hours. The minor consists of at least 15 hours, including:

One of the following introductory courses
AAS 425 Overview of African American Studies     4 Hrs.
       or AAS 301 Interdisciplinary African American Studies     3 Hrs.

and one of the following
AAS 427 Overview of African American History, or one course from
       the AAS 440 offerings     3-4 Hrs.
       or AAS 241 Survey of African American History     3 Hrs.

and one of the following
AAS 429 Overview of African American Literature or one course from
       the AAS 460 offerings     3-4 Hrs.
       or AAS 261 Survey of African American Literature     3 Hrs.
       or AAS 262 Caribbean Literature and Culture     3 Hrs.

Plus upper-division elective African-American studies coursework or approved courses from other disciplines to total at least 15 hours.

Courses offered

AAS 241 Survey of African American History
AAS 261 Survey of African American Literature
AAS 262 Caribbean Literature and Culture
AAS 301 Interdisciplinary African American Studies
AAS 403 Minority Women: Issues and Perspectives (see HIS 453, SWK 462, WMS 403)
AAS 432 African Americans and American Politics (see POS 404)
AAS 433 20th Century Civil Rights Movements
AAS 440 Special Topics in African American History & Culture    
    May be repeated when topics vary.
AAS 450 Special Topics in African American Studies. Interdisciplinary.
    May be repeated when topics vary.
AAS 460 Special Topics in African American Literature & Creative Expression
    May be repeated when topics vary.
AAS 499 Independent Study