African American Studies

Coordinator: Associate Professor Diana Paulin (English and American Studies)

The African American studies minor is designed to provide students an overview of the history, cultural traditions, and political experiences of the African-American Diaspora in the United States. The minor consists of one course in each of four required disciplines, one elective at the intermediate level or above, and an integrating exercise of a senior-level seminar or independent project. All courses must be approved in advance by the coordinator. All other course requirements should be completed before embarking on the integrating exercise. Students must earn a minimum of C- for all courses counted toward the minor.

Course requirements:

• One course at the introductory or intermediate level focused on the experience of African Americans in each of the following disciplines (or in an interdisciplinary program such as American studies covering the relevant discipline):
  • History
  • English
  • Political science, educational studies, sociology, urban studies, or human rights
  • Music, art, fine art, theater and dance
• One course at the intermediate level or beyond (ordinarily 300-level or higher) on topics in African American studies or race relations in the United States, from any department or program.
• Integrating exercise consisting of one of the following:
  • One senior seminar focusing on issues pertaining to African Americans from any department or program.
  • One semester-long project on issues pertaining to African Americans under the supervision of a faculty member affiliated with the African American studies minor or approved by the coordinator.
  • Senior thesis on issues pertaining to African Americans under the supervision of a faculty member affiliated with the African American studies minor or approved by the coordinator.