Black Studies
The Black Studies Minor examines the lived experiences, modes of cultural production and political perspectives of people of African descent. Using a multidisciplinary methodological framework rooted in a liberal arts curriculum, courses utilize a transcontinental approach to the Black experience through the lens of race, gender, sexuality, class, national, and political orientation in the modern world. Black Studies courses incorporate theories, concepts, histories, cultures, theologies and political ideologies central to the Black diaspora through the themes of justice, democracy, citizenship, human rights, liberty, and globalization.
Learning Goals and Objectives
1. Help students to develop and strengthen critical writing and analytical skill, while challenging traditional ways of thinking about difference;
2. Foster a critical consciousness about global relations and how Black people play a constitutive and performative role in these relations;
3. Enable students to understand how knowledge of the Black experience will enhance their engagement with contemporary social, cultural, and political issues and prepare them for world citizenship;
4. Provide an inter-cultural dimension to student’s growing store of knowledge and encourage critique of received wisdom;
5. Allow students to learn and practice an interdisciplinary and global model for knowledge production that is grounded in the Black experience; and
6. Instill an appreciation of the liberal arts as useful for understanding and solving the challenges of race, class, gender, nationality, and region.
Requirements for the Minor
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BLS-201 | Introduction to Black Studies | 1 |
| BLS-401 | Capstone Seminar | 1 |
| Black Studies Electives | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 5 | |
BLS-201 is the methods course for the field. Ideally, Black Studies minors will take this course in their sophomore year. This course will introduce students to the history, methodology, and major problems in Black Studies through an interdisciplinary survey of literature, cultural theories, and historical works.
In BLS-401, students will demonstrate facility with Black Studies methods and familiarity with Black Studies sources by preparing a substantial and original work of research and analysis and by giving a public presentation of their work (which might include a conference presentation).
BLS-201 Introduction to Black Studies
This is the methods course for the field. Ideally
minors will take this course in
the fall or spring of their sophomore year. This
course will introduce students to
the history, methodology, and major problems in
Black Studies through an
interdisciplinary survey of literature, cultural
theories, and historical works. Meets the
Diversity Requirement for the PPE major.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
BLS-270 Special Topics
The objective of this class is to develop the
student's ability to think
interdisciplinarily. Through the analysis of a
particular theme, topic, cultural
expression, or political movement, students will
gain a greater understanding of
Black Studies scholarship and methodology/ies.
Since the content of this course
varies from year to year, it may be repeated for
credit upon the instructor's
approval. Refer to the Course Descriptions
document on the Registrar's webpage for topics
and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
BLS-280 Special Topics
The objective of this class is to develop the
student's ability to think
interdisciplinarily. Through the analysis of a
particular theme, topic, cultural
expression, or political movement, students will
gain a greater understanding of
Black Studies scholarship and methodology/ies.
Since the content of this course
varies from year to year, it may be repeated for
credit upon the instructor's
approval. Refer to the Course Descriptions
document on the Registrar's webpage for topics
and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1
BLS-300 Special Topics in Black Studies
Since the content of this course varies from
semester to semester, it may be repeated for
credit upon the instructor's approval. Refer to
the Course Descriptions document on the
Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of
current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1
BLS-370 Independent Study in Black Studies
Individual research projects. The manner of study
will be determined by the
student in consultation with the instructor.
Students must receive written
approval of their project proposal from a faculty
member before registering for
the course.
Prerequisites: BLS-201
Credit: 1
BLS-387 Independent Study in Black Studies
This course will allow students to engage in
individual research projects. The
manner of study will be determined by the student
in consultation with the
instructor. Students must receive written
approval of their project proposal from
a faculty member before registering for the course
Prerequisites: BLS-201
Credit: 1
BLS-388 Independent Study in Black Studies
This course will allow students to engage in
individual research projects. The
manner of study will be determined by the student
in consultation with the
instructor. Students must receive written
approval of their project proposal from
a faculty member and the Chair of the Department
before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: BLS-201
Credit: 1
BLS-400 Independent Study
This course will allow students to engage in
individual research projects. The
manner of study will be determined by the student
in consultation with the
instructor. Students must receive written
approval of their project proposal from
a faculty member and the Chair of the Department
before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1
BLS-401 Capstone Seminar
Students will demonstrate facility with Black
Studies methods and familiarity
with Black Studies sources by preparing a
substantial and original work of
research and analysis and by giving a public
presentation of their work (which
might include a conference presentation).
Prerequisites: BLS-201
Credit: 1