Black Studies

BLS classroom picture

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. 

Student Learning Goals

Help students to develop and strengthen critical writing and analytical skill, while challenging traditional ways of thinking about difference;

Foster a critical consciousness about global relations and how Black people play a constitutive and performative role in these relations;

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;

Provide an inter-cultural dimension to student’s growing store of knowledge and encourage critique of received wisdom;

Allow students to learn and practice an interdisciplinary and global model for knowledge production that is grounded in the Black experience; and

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

BLS-201Introduction to Black Studies1
BLS-401Capstone Seminar1
Black Studies Electives3
Total Credits5

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

The Black Studies minor is administered through a steering committee comprised of Affiliated Faculty and chaired by the Malcolm X Institute of Black Studies (MXIBS) Faculty Coordinator.

Timothy Lake, English, chair
James Makubuya, Music
Richard Warner, History
Julian Whitney, English