2018-2019 Undergraduate Course Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

African American Studies, BA


Department Chair:

Herbert G. Ruffin II
200 Sims Hall
315-443-4302

Faculty

Joan Bryant, Horace Campbell, Linda Carty, David Kwame Dixon, Kishi Animashaun Ducre, Casarae Gibson, Janis A. Mayes, Herbert Ruffin II, S.N. Sangmpam, James G. Williams

This interdisciplinary department offers the opportunity for study, research, and community involvement in African American Studies and enables students to explore cultural, literary, historical, political, socioeconomic and other issues affecting African Americans, as well as links with continental Africa and the Caribbean. The department offers a minor and a major, leading to a B.A. degree, and  enables students to specialize in the social sciences or in the humanities. Students seeking a B.A. degree in African American Studies must successfully complete AAS 112  /ANT 112  and either AAS 231  or AAS 232  before formal admission to the major.

Student Learning Outcomes


1. Explain major cultural figures, texts, expression, and movements in Black Studies

2. Explain knowledge of major social and political issues in Black Studies

3. Develop knowledge of major social, cultural, & political factors that have defined the Black experience across time and/or space (Diasporic orientation)

4. Learn how race, class, gender, and/or sexualities functions within the contours of the Black experience (intersectionality)

5. Develop critical thinking skills applicable to issues in Black Studies

6. Develop ability to conceive & execute independent inquiries in Black Studies

7. Develop effective written and oral communications

Major Requirements


Prerequisites (6 credits)


All students must successfully complete two of the following courses before formal admission to the program.

Major Courses (24 credits)


At least 18 of the 24 credits required for the major in African American Studies will be in courses numbered above 299. Six of the 24 credits may be chosen from AAS 202 , AAS 233 , AAS 234 , AAS 235 , and AAS 241 . Six credits must be taken in the AAS core:

Majors must also complete six credits in an area of specialization:


Humanities Track

Social Sciences Track

African American Studies

Twelve credits may be taken in additional advanced courses in African American studies chosen in consultation with the major advisor.

Study Abroad


Syracuse University Abroad offers Syracuse University credit bearing study options for students of African American Studies in locations that include Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, and Egypt. Two summer programs are also available. They are Cultural Politics: Contemporary Brazil and Paris Noir/Black Paris: Literature, Art, and Contemporary Life in Diaspora.