Interdepartmental Programs

AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES MAJOR

Randall, Administrative Coordinator.

Three track options are available for students who wish to major in this interdisciplinary area: the History track, the Literature track, and the Sociology track. All majors must include among their chosen track offerings The African American in theUnited States I (AAM-367), The African American in the United States II (AAM-377), African Literature (AAM/ENG-166), African American Literature (AAM/ENG-267), and an Independent Study (AAM-8 5) in their senior year.

Students planning to major in this area should consider carefully what they expect to do following graduation. They should seek close advising in examining programs of study. Supportive courses outside the major should be chosen wisely.

The minor in African American Studies consists of African American Literature (AAM-267), The African American in the United States I (AAM-367), The African
American in the United States II (AAM-377) and two other courses chosen from
departmental offerings.

African American Studies Minor

All majors are required to take the following core of courses:

AAM-367 The African American in the United States I
AAM-377 The African American in the United States II
AAM/ENG-166 African Literature
AAM/ENG-267 African American Literature
AAM-8_5 Independent Study (completed during the senior year)
Six courses from the appropriate list below:

History

*HIS-145 History of the United States to 1865
*HIS-155 History of the United States Since 1865
HIS-397 Women in America
HIS-487 American Colonial History
HIS-525 Recent American History I
HIS-535 Recent American History II
HIS-545 Intellectual and Social History of the United States I
HIS-555 Intellectual and Social History of the United States II
HIS-725 Seminar in American History I
HIS-735 Seminar in American History II
#AAM/ENG-777, -787, -797 Seminar in Black Literature

Literature

#AAM/ENG -777, -787, -797 Seminar in Black Literature
ENG-275 Current Literature
CRW-280 Poetry Workshop
CRW-285 Advanced Poetry Workshop
CRW-290 Fiction Workshop
CRW-295 Advanced Fiction Workshop
ENG-345,-347 American Literature

Sociology

PSY-335 Social Psychology
SOC-116 Cultural Anthropology
*SOC-328 Urban Sociology
*SOC-415 Social Conflict
SOC-425 Social Change
#AAM/ENG -777, -787, -797 Seminar in Black Literature

*=Required course
#=Two Seminars required

Courses in African American Studies

AAM/ENG-166 African Literature
(see also English (ENG-166), p. 71)
A course of selected focus which centers on a particular author, theme, region, or genre of African literature. Possible topics include: South African Literature; Nigerian Drama; Chinua Achebe. May be repeated with consent of the instructor, provided the topics are substantially different. May be repeated for credit toward the English major with consent of Department Chair.

AAM-267 African American Literature
(See also English (ENG-267), p. 71)
Reading and discussion of the writings of African Americans, with emphasis on the 20th century. May include some relevant writings on African Americans by other groups. Study of the artistic values and of the social and cultural significance of these writings. May be repeated with consent of the instructor, provided the topics are substantially different. May be repeated for credit toward the English major with consent of Department Chair.

AAM-367 The African American in the United States I
(See also History (AAM-367), p. 84)
A study of the history of African Americans and their contribution to culture and society during the colonial and national eras to 1865. Prerequisite: The History of Western Civilization Since 1500 (HIS-125) or consent of instructor.

AAM-377 The African American in the United States II
(See also History (AAM-377), p. 84)
African American history from 1865 and Reconstruction to the present. Emphasis on significant African American leaders and organizations, and on general movements and trends affecting African Americans. Prerequisite: The History of Western Civilization Since 1500 (HIS-125) or consent of instructor.

AAM-447,-457 Directed Studies in African American Studies
Study of selected topics and primary texts not available within the regular offerings. Prerequisite: two courses in African American studies. Registration by
consent of instructor, after submission of a written project proposal. Conferences with instructor and papers are required. May be repeated for credit with consent of the program.

AAM-777, -787, -797 Seminar in Black Literature
(See also English (ENG -777,-787,-797), p. 73)
Intensive study of selected works and subjects in black literature. Topics may include African, African American and West Indian literature. Prerequisites: junior standing and Literary Analysis (ENG-615).

AAM-895 Part-Time Internship
Exploration of a career area related to African American Studies. A minimum of 140 hours on-site experience is required. S/U basis. This course does not satisfy any of the requirements for a major in African American Studies. Application through the internship director. Supervision by African American Studies Program and the Director of Internships. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

AAM-8_5 Independent Study
Study of individually chosen research topics in African American Studies under the direction of a faculty member in the area. Prerequisite: African American Literature (AAM-267), or The African American in the United States I (AAM-367), or The African American in the United States II (AAM-377). Registration by consent of instructor and after submission of a written proposal of a
project.

ENG-345 American Literature: West Indian Literature
Study of selected literary works written by North Americans. Sample topics: Modern U.S. Literature, Canadian Fiction, or Race and Gender. May be repeated with consent of the instructor, provided the topics are substantially different. May be repeated for credit toward the English major with consent of Department Chair. Prerequisite: a college literature course.

POL-276 African Politics
An introductory survey of post-independence political patterns and processes in Africa. Similarities and differences across the continent are highlighted while a small number of select countries are studied in-depth. Attention is given to the legacy of the colonial period, democratization, the challenges of violence and illegitimate governance, and the impact of the modern global economy on life in Africa. Prerequisite: Introduction to Politics (POL-108) or consent of instructor. (Offered alternate years)