African American Studies BA

Overview

Students are encouraged to engage in a culminating activity, such as an internship, independent study, honors thesis, service learning course, Center for American Politics and Public Policy program, University of California Center Sacramento program, Education Abroad Program, or other African American studies-related project or performance course.

Learning Outcomes

Critical understanding of key historical moments in the field

Critical engagement with humanistic and social-scientific approaches to the study of the African American experience

Ability to perform research and use critical writing skills

Critical understanding of the concepts of race and racism, and their relationship to other identities such as class, gender, and sexual orientation

Knowledge of key African American aesthetic, literary, musical, and other cultural traditions

Knowledge of key social-scientific theories that explain and describe the African American experience

Entry to the Major

Transfer Students

Major Requirements

Preparation for the Major

African American Studies 1, 96W, and one elective course.

Elective

Select one course from:

The Major

Eleven upper-division courses as follows:

Areas of Concentration

Select eight courses total, four in one area of concentration and two additional courses from each of the two remaining areas:

Cultural Production

Political Economy

Power and Ideology

Additional Upper-Division Electives

Senior Capstone Seminar

Honors Program

African American Studies majors with grade-point averages of 3.5 or better are eligible for the honors option that requires the completion of a senior thesis under the guidance of an African American Studies faculty member. Students must take three-quarter African American Studies 198A, 198B, 198C (independent study courses) with an approved professor who oversees the thesis requirement. For more information, contact the undergraduate adviser in the department.

General Catalog 2022-23