The Major in Afro-American Studies
What can I do with a major in Afro-American Studies?
As an Afro-American Studies major, you will gain skills in project development, research and analysis, interpersonal and cross-cultural communication, critical thinking, problem solving and writing—all skills employers look for in new hires. The undergraduate degree in Afro-American Studies prepares you for the complex challenges that face our communities, country, and the world in the 20th century. Find out more⇒
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Majoring in Afro-American Studies requires that a student complete a minimum of eleven (11) courses in the Du Bois Department in addition to AfroAm 365: Junior Year Writing. In their final year, students take a two-semester capstone sequence: AfroAm 494DI: The Du Bois Senior Seminar (offered in the FALL only), and AfroAm 496: The Du Bois Senior Project. Senior projects can be thesis papers or another type of project designed in consultation with a faculty advisor from the department. Independent study credits do not count toward the major requirements. Afro-Am Major Requirements (pdf).
*Primary Majors: Only one departmental course may satisfy the Gen. Ed. Requirement.
*Secondary Majors: All courses in Afro-American Studies that satisfy Gen. Ed. Requirements will be accepted towards the major, and ourses from your primary major may be accepted as well.
I. Introduction (1 course)
- 101 — Introduction to Black Studies, 3 credits
II. Introductory Sequence (4 courses)
Humanities Group (2 courses required)
- 117 — Survey of Afro-American Literature I, 4 credits (AL,DU)
- 118 — Survey of Afro-American Literature II, 4 credits (AL,DU)
- 151 — Literature and Culture, 4 credits (AL,DU)
- 155 — Concepts in Afro-American Music I, 3 credits (AT,DU)
- 156 — Concepts in Afro-American Music II, 4 credits (AT,DU)
- MUSIC 102 — Afro-American Music, 4 credits (AL,DU)
- MUSIC 103 — History of Jazz, 4 credits (AT,DG)
History & Social Sciences Group (2 courses required)
- 132 — Afro-American History, 1619-1860, 4 credits (HS,DU)
- 133 — Afro-American History, Civil War to 1954, 4 credits (HS,DU)
- 161 — Introduction to Afro-American Political Science, 4 credits (HS,DU)
- ECON 144 — Political Economy of Racism, 4 credits (SB,DU)
- HISTORY 161 — History of Africa since 1500, 4 credits (HS,DG)
III. Advanced Sequence (4 courses)
Four courses at the 200-400 level (History, Social Sciences, Literature, Creative and Performing Arts)
IV. Junior Year Writing (1 course)
- 365 — Composition: Style and Organization, 3 credits
V. Senior Seminar Sequence (2 courses)
Both courses required for primary and secondary AfroAm majors: open to juniors and seniors
- 494DI — Du Bois Senior Seminar, 3 credits (IE designation, fall offering only)
- 496 — Independent Project, 3 credits
Courses accepted from outside departments and within the other Five College departments or programs may count towards the major: You must contact Britt Rusert, Director of Undergraduate Studies, or Tricia Loveland prior to registering for any courses outside the Afro-American Studies Department.
