To Be Shared With All Generations
and All Cultures

The Black Studies minor is an interdisciplinary program administered by the office of the Black Studies Program. Courses are offered in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, the College of Education & Human Services, the College of Science, and the College of Urban Affairs. Since a majority of the courses are offered in departments in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, the minor in Black Studies is granted by the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Courses to fulfill the requirements for a minor in Black Studies are to be selected from the 89 Black Studies courses offered by 20 different departments within the four Colleges.

A Major in Black Studies should be available through the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences in the future.

The scope of the Black Studies courses encompasses the study of the history, geography, experiences, contributions, and lifestyles of peoples of African descent. It also covers the myriad aspects and manifestations of the arts and culture of African peoples on the continent of Africa, and persons of African descent in the United States of America, and in other areas of the African Diaspora. Students majoring in any discipline may pursue a minor in Black Studies. Students electing to minor in Black Studies are to inform the Director of Black Studies of their intention as early as possible by completing the Declaration or Change of Minor form and submitting it to the Director. The Director of Black Studies, professional staff and/or designated instructors of Black Studies courses shall serve as advisors to students who elect a minor in Black Studies.

Requirements for a Minor in Black Studies

The Black Studies minor requires that 24 credit hours be taken in courses designated as Black Studies courses.

1. I. Introduction to Black Studies. One of the following courses is to be elected until the permanent core course has been staffed.

   a. ANT 270 African American Culture
   b. ENG 207 Black Masterpieces
   c. REL 217 Religion in Black America
   d. SWK 150 The Black Experience in Contemporary Society
   e. SOC 382 African American Communities

   II. HIS 175 Introduction to African History

   III. African American Culture. One of the following courses is to be elected until the permanent core course has been staffed.

   a. COM 388 Black Rhetoric
   b. HIS 215 African American History to 1877
   c. HIS 216 African American History since 1877
   d. PSC 217 Urban Politics and the African American Experience

2. A minimum of 12 credit hours shall be selected from Black Studies courses at the 300-level or higher.
   
3. Black Studies courses selected to fulfill the requirement of a minor in Black Studies shall be selected from a minimum of three different department or disciplines.
   
4. Transfer students planning to minor in Black Studies shall complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in Black Studies courses at Cleveland State University. For transfer students, a minimum of nine credit hours of upper level courses shall be completed at Cleveland State University. The transfer of Black Studies credit is subject to the approval of the Director of Black Studies or of a person or persons designated by the Director.