African American Studies

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Professors Doane (Sociology, Hillyer College), Hardesty (Sociology), Sandström (emeritus, Politics and Government)
Associate Professor Sinche (English)
Assistant Professors Carlson (Art History), Clark (History)
AFS Steering Committee:
Carlson (Art History), Doane (Sociology, Hillyer College), Hardesty (Director, African American Studies, Sociology), Sekou (Politics and Government, Hillyer College), Sinche (English)

The African American Studies program examines from an interdisciplinary perspective the historical, cultural, and intellectual development of people of African descent on the African continent and in the New World. The program offers three geopolitical areas of study: Africa, North America (United States and Canada), and the Caribbean (including Latin America). The emphasis of the program is on the development of analytical skills and creative scholarship within a wide interdisciplinary exposure to the African American field.

The African American Studies program provides opportunities for (a) students who wish to minor in African American studies, (b) students who are not concentrating on African American studies but who wish to improve their understanding of the black experience, and (c) students who wish to supplement their work in related fields with courses offered by the program. The program also offers training to those considering careers in social work, education, journalism, law, business management, city planning, international affairs, and creative writing. Students with backgrounds in history, sociology, anthropology, literature, law, psychology, education, nursing, philosophy, politics and government, art, music, religion, economics, business, and communication arts will find that the African American Studies program offers them an important perspective with which to approach their respective disciplines in our multiracial society.

Writing Requirement

Upper-level African American studies courses have a minimum writing requirement of 3,000 words, including examinations, reports, and term papers. This requirement must be filled in part by a written paper that is to be read, commented on and evaluated by the instructor and returned in time to allow for revision and reevaluation.

Programs

• African American Studies Minor

Courses

• AFS 110 - The Study of the Black Experience
• AFS 111 - The Black Impact on Western Civilization
• AFS 190 - Special Topics in African American Studies
• AFS 191 - Special Topics in African American Studies
• AFS 210 - Urban Politics
• AFS 213 - Race, Ethnicity, and Politics
• AFS 223 - Survey of African American Literature
• AFS 225 - African American History
• AFS 226 - The Black Family in American Society
• AFS 242 - Politics of the Third World
• AFS 258 - The Caribbean American Family
• AFS 290 - Special Topics in African American Studies
• AFS 291 - Special Topics in African American Studies
• AFS 305 - African American Women Writers
• AFS 318 - African American Autobiography
• AFS 323 - Caribbean Politics
• AFS 326 - The Folk Culture of Black America
• AFS 336 - African Art
• AFS 352 - Race and Ethnic Relations
• AFS 390 - Special Topics in African American Studies
• AFS 391 - Special Topics in African American Studies
• AFS 480 - Independent Study in the Black Experience
• AFS 482 - Honors in African American Studies
• AFS 483 - Honors in African American Studies
• AFS 490 - Special Topics in African American Studies
• AFS 491 - Special Topics in African American Studies

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