African American Studies Minor

Our program exposes students to the interdisciplinary study of the history, politics, arts, experiences, and intellectual traditions of African Americans. This minor draws broadly on history, sociology, literature, philosophy, psychology, politics, theology, and the arts.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

Explore the interdisciplinary study of the history, politics, art, experiences and intellectual traditions of African Americans. Through this educational experience, students will understand the vital role of African Americans and African American culture in the United States and globally
Examine social inequality, change and justice through a uniquely African American and intersectional framework and to apply this framework to movements for social justice
Train for graduate and professional work in the humanities, social sciences, education, health and law; to use their cultural and intellectual knowledge in their prospective careers; and to responsibly and respectfully engage in our common pursuit of justice

Minor Requirements (20 units)

Required Courses

Foundational Course (4 units)

HIST 125 - African American History

Distribution Courses (8 units)

Choose 8 units of the following:

Electives (8 units)

Choose a minimum of 8 units of the following:

In addition to the classes below, students may also select additional courses from the distribution course list as electives.

AAS 200 - Community Engagement: Fillmore
AAS 390 - Special Topics
AAS 398 - Directed Study
AAS 400 - Black Scholars Capstone Part I
AAS 401 - Black Scholars Capstone Part 2
BUS 362 - Multicultural Marketing
CDS 305 - From Slavery to Obama
DANC 260 - Hip Hop Dance and Culture
ENGL 203 - African Amer Lit Survey I
ENGL 204 - African Amer Lit Survey II
HIST 343 - Pre-Colonial Africa
HIST 351 - Slavery in US Hist & Culture
HIST 352 - Civil War/Reconstruction
MS 333 - Black Cinema
POLS 220 - Urban Politics
POLS 324 - African-American Politics
POLS 336 - Race, Equality & the Law
PSYC 305 - Multicultural Psychology
PSYC 316 - African American Psychology
SOC 229 - Diversity/Amer Families
SOC 238 - Afri-Amer Culture & Soc
SOC 240 - People of Mixed Descent
SOC 304 - U.S. Inequalities/Soc Justice
THRS 281 - Islam in America
THRS 322 - Liberation Theology
THTR 115 - Hip Hop Theater
Note: The African American Studies minor periodically publishes lists or announcements with additional course offerings that can be counted toward the minor.

Activities

Extracurricular events and activities will be used to supplement course work in the minor. The African American Studies Minor committee plans and sponsors a variety of events and activities, including films, speakers, conferences, and off-campus volunteer projects.