The Major

The Major

Students who major in Afro-American Studies must complete a minimum of 11 courses, in addition to the Junior Year Writing requirement. Of these, 5 courses are devoted to the introductory sequences in the Humanities and History and Social Sciences. An additional 4 courses must be taken in any of the four areas of the advanced sequence, consisting of courses ranging from the 200-400 levels.  In the Fall of their senior year, majors take a senior capstone course, AfroAm 494DI: The Du Bois Seminar, and in the Spring, complete a 3-credit independent project, AfroAm 496, in consultation with a faculty advisor.  Juniors may also enroll in the 494DI course as well.  Both courses are required for primary and secondary majors.  Courses taught in other Five College departments or programs may count towards the major.  Students must check with a department advisor before enrolling in such courses.

I. INTRODUCTION (1 course)

101 Introduction to Black Studies

II. INTRODUCTORY SEQUENCE (4 courses)

A. Humanities Group (2 courses required)

111 Survey of African Art
113 African Diaspora Arts
117 Survey of Afro-American Literature I
118 Survey of Afro-American Literature II
151 Literature and Culture
155 Concepts in Afro-American Music I
156 Concepts in Afro-American Music II
MUSIC 102 Afro-American Music
MUSIC 103 History of Jazz

B. History and Social Science Group (2 courses required)

132 Afro-American History, 1619-1860
133 Afro-American History, Civil War to 1954
161 Introduction to Afro-American Political Science
ECON 144 Political Economy of Racism
HISTORY 160 History of Africa to 1500
HISTORY 161 History of Africa since 1500

II. ADVANCED SEQUENCE (4 courses)

Four courses at the 200-400 level

III. JUNIOR YEAR WRITING (1 course)

365 Composition: Style and Organization

SENIOR SEMINAR SEQUENCE (2 courses)

Both courses are required for all majors and secondary majors. Juniors and Seniors may register for the 494DI seminar.

494DI  Du Bois Senior Seminar, 3 credits (IE designation, Fall offering)
496     Senior Independent Project, 3 credits (Senior Thesis Optional)

Note: Only 1 course in AFROAM can count toward Gen. Ed. as well.