Interdisciplinary Minor in African American Studies
for the Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Minor in African American Studies
The Department of African American Studies offers a campus-wide interdisciplinary minor in African American Studies. The minor is premised on the following principles: Interdisciplinarity, the centrality of Black women and gender, the use of the Global Africa/African Diaspora as a contextualizing framework and an emphasis on black agency or self-determining activity of African peoples. A minimum grade point average of 2.33 is required for completion of courses taken in the program. The Department of African American Studies must approve a student's minor course plan.
for the Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Minor in African American Studies
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| I. Core course requirements | ||
| AFRO 100 | Intro to African American St | 3 |
| AFRO 490 | Theory in African American St | 3 |
| or AFRO 220 | Intro to Research Methods AfAm | |
| AFRO 495 | Senior Thesis Seminar | 3 |
| II. Areas of Concentration | ||
| A. Comparitive Race, Racialized Communities & Identities. Students must take at least one course in this area. Students may choose courses from a list in the Department office. | 3-4 | |
| B. Cultural Production & Cultural Movements. Students must take at least one course in this area. Students may choose courses from a list in the Department office. | 3-4 | |
| C. Political Economy, Public Policy & Contemporary Issues. Students must take at least one course in this area. Students may choose courses from a list in the Department office. | 3-4 | |
| Elective in any of the above areas | 3 | |
| Students must take at least one course focusing on Black Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies chosen from a list in the Department office. Students may count this course toward any of the required areas above. | ||
| Total Hours | 21 | |
Students must not take more than 6 hours of 100-level courses. A minimum of 6 hours of 300- and 400-level courses is required.
for the Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Minor in African American Studies
Students completing the minor will be able to:
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Demonstrate foundational knowledge of key themes, histories, and intellectual traditions in African American Studies that support clear and effective oral and written communication.
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Apply introductory analytical tools—including qualitative, quantitative, or digital methods—to examine issues affecting African American communities and broader U.S. social contexts.
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Identify the roles of African American Studies in public engagement and social justice, recognizing how scholarship can inform leadership, civic participation, and policy discussions in a diverse democratic society.
for the Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Minor in African American Studies