Black Studies (B.A)
At-a-Glance
Admission to the major: Good academic standing.
Minimum hours required for the major: 44
Minimum hours required for the minor: 24
Advising: Director of Black Studies
For information: Contact the Black Studies Program (216) 687-3655, www.csuohio.edu/class/blackstudies
The Black Studies major is an interdisciplinary program administered by the office of the Black Studies Program. The majority of courses are offered in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and, therefore, the degree is granted by this college.Black studies courses are also offered in other colleges at Cleveland State University. The scope of the Black studies courses encompasses the study of the history, geography, experiences, contribution, and lifestyles of people of African descent. It also covers the myriad aspects and manifestations of the arts and cultures 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 who have an interest in the African Diaspora are encouraged to purse a Black Studies major. Upon graduation, students with a major in Black Studies are welcomed into a variety of occupations and graduate and professional schools. Based on data collected by the National Council of Black Studies, Black Studies graduates do particularly well in social service areas, sales, and media communications.
Students electing to major in Black Studies should inform the director of Black Studies of their intention as early as possible by completing the Black Studies Major Application Form. The form must be submitted to the Black Studies Program for review and approval. Upon acceptance into the major the director of Black Studies and/or a designated person shall serve as a student adviser.
Major-Field Requirements
Required Courses: Black Studies majors are required to complete a minimum of 44 credit hours. The hours must include core hours in each section below (A1 through C3) and Capstone I and Capstone II in section D. A minimum of 28 credit hours must be completed at the 300-400 course level. See website or call the Black Studies Program for the complete listing of courses.
Black Studies Major Curriculum
Core Course Requirements, Sections A, B, C, and D: See course selection below
Section A
- A1. BST 200 Introduction to Black Studies (Required of all majors)
- A2. African Diaspora Social Thought (Select at least one of the following courses)
- PHL 252 African American Social Philosophy
- HIS 305 Social Thought of African Americans
- ANT 270 African American Culture
- A3.African Diaspora Religions (Select at least one of the following courses)
Section B
- B1. History and Cultures of Africa (Select at least one of the following courses)
- B2. The African Diaspora (Select at least one of the following courses)
- ANT 153 Introduction to African Cultures
- ANT 353 Cultures of Africa
- ANT 356 Ethiopia
- ANT 358 Caribbean Societies
- ANT 453 Advanced Studies in African Cultures
- HIS 366 Colonial Latin America
- HIS 367 Modern Latin America
- HIS 375 Pre-Colonial Africa to 1800
- HIS 376 Modern Africa since 1800
- HIS 393 Special Topics in History*
- B3. African-American History and Culture (Select at least one of the following)
- ANT 270 African American Culture
- HIS 324 Black Is/Black Ain’t: Defining Black America
- HIS325 African America since 1945
- HIS 326 African American History through Sacred Music
- HIS 329 Black Resistance/Age of Jim Crow
- HIS 369 Comparative Emancipation
- SOC 380 Racial and Ethnic Inequality
- SOC 382 African American Communities
- UST 302 Contemporary Urban Issues
Section C
- C1. Arts and English (Select at least one of the following courses)
- C2. African Politics and Economics (Select at least one of the following courses)
- C3. Language and Communication (Select at least one of the following courses)
Section D
- D1. Capstone I
- D2. Capstone II
All majors must take Capstone I and Capstone II. No substitutions are permitted.
Senior Capstone Project options: Research project, travel abroad, or thesis paper.
The project is to be developed in Capstone I and implemented in Capstone II.
Notes: Language Requirement Spanish, French, or available existing Diaspora languages.
*When topic is related to the history of Diaspora peoples/nations/regions.
Black Studies Minor
Go to complete description of Black Studies MinorStudents 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 or a person designated by the Director shall serve as adviser to students who elect a minor in Black Studies.
The Black Studies minor requires twenty-four (24) credit hours be completed in Black Studies designated courses. All minors must complete BST 200: Introduction to Black Studies in addition to all other requirements stated for the Black Studies Minor.
