African American Studies Minor

Coordinator:

Edwins Gwako, Associate Professor, Chair of African American Studies

The African American studies minor is an interdisciplinary program focusing on the cultures, societies, histories and concerns of peoples of African descent in North America, while encompassing Africa and the African Diaspora, including the Caribbean and other parts of the world. It balances the study of race relations and racism with a celebration of African and African American achievements and contributions to the United States and the wider world. It provides a basis for better understanding among people in a multiracial society and helps prepare students for careers in such fields as education, law, health care, sport management, marketing, criminal justice and social work.

Minor Requirements

The minor requires a minimum of 16 credit hours (four courses). The four courses must be taken in at least two different disciplinary departments.

1. IDS 422/ENGL 338 Harlem Renaissance or IDS 435/SOAN 325 Understanding Proverty

4 credits

2. One course from:

4 credits

   

ENGL 230 African American Literature                                                                  

ENGL 331 Black Women Writers

ENGL 332 Black Men Writers

HIST 225 African American History

   

 3-4. Two courses from:

8 credits

   

ENGL 334 African Women Writers

FREN 311 The Francophone World

HIST 241 Africa to 1800

HIST 242 Africa since 1800

IDS 411/SOAN 415 Gender & Development in Africa

PSCI 222 African Government & Politics

SOAN 215 Anthropology of Slavery

SOAN 234 Culture & Sexuality in Africa

SOAN 235 African Families in Transition

SOAN 358 African Cultures in Film

 

Total credit hours required for African American studies minor

 

16 credits