Academics

Collage of AFAM course flyers

The mission of the African American Studies Department is to foster an understanding of and appreciation for the rich traditions of the African diaspora, to advance knowledge of African American history and culture, and to develop critical awareness of the status of peoples of African descent in our interconnected global society.

With this in mind, the African American Studies Option of the undergraduate degree program in Ethnic Studies exposes students to the history, politics, culture and contemporary social realities of African-descended people within the United States and globally. Its interdisciplinary approach provides students in the major and minor with skills in writing, critical thinking, and community building, and prepares students for further graduate study and a variety of professional paths including: business, the non-profit sector, public relations, education, human services, politics and government, and law. 

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will identify a range of cultural documents and expressive forms and describe their significance to African American culture.
  • Identify and explain the significance of key individuals and events that shaped the culture and history of people of African descent in the U.S. and wider diaspora.
  • Examine the ways that race, gender, class and/or sexuality intersect in the lives of individuals and their communities.
  • Integrate Ethnic Studies methodologies into one's written work.
  • Communicate complex arguments, ideas, and research findings in well-organized written papers.

Ethnic Studies Major

Requirements with the African American Studies Option (36 units total):

Ethnic Studies Core courses (9 units)

  • AFAM/ASAM/CHIC 101 “Introduction to Ethnic Studies”
  • AFAM/ASAM/CHIC 307 “Research and Writing in Ethnic Studies”
  • AFAM/ETHN 490 “Ethnic Studies Senior Seminar”

 

AFAM Core Courses (6 units)

  • AFAM 107 “Introduction to African American Studies” (required)
    and
  • AFAM 190 “Survey of American History with an Emphasis on Ethnic Minorities”
    or
  • AFAM 280 “Introduction to African American History”

 

AFAM upper division electives (21 units)

  • 21 units of AFAM upper division electives
    (up to 6 units may be taken outside the department in consultation with adviser)

African American Studies Minor

Requirements  (21 units total):

AFAM Core Courses (6 units)

  • AFAM 107 “Introduction to African American Studies” (required)
    and
  • AFAM 190 “Survey of American History with an Emphasis on Ethnic Minorities”
    or
  • AFAM 280 “Introduction to African American History”

 

AFAM electives (15 units)

  • 15 units of AFAM upper or lower division electives
    (up to 3 units may be taken outside the department in consultation with adviser)

African American Studies Courses

Check the list of African American Studies courses for detailed information.