Black Studies Courses

BLAS 101 - Introduction to Black Studies

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

This course is an introduction to the concept of Black Studies and global black identities. Black diaspora and contemporary issues facing global black communities will be introduced within the course.

Offered Online: Yes
General Education Fulfillment: Cultural Analysis and Interpretation

BLAS 102 - Global Black Theory and Social Change

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed to demonstrate the importance of local and global civic engagement, one of the Black Studies program's primary tenets. It utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to examine the evolution of Black philosophy and the major theories that have provided the foundations of Black Studies as a discipline. Through these examinations the course seeks to develop a utilization of these theories and philosophies towards restorative justice for the global Black community. 

Students engage in extensive readings in the origins of African intellectual genealogies, evolutions of resistance, black art and philosophy, and Afrofuturism. Authors such as Thiongo, Armah, Butler, and Asante are analyzed in the contexts of on-going African and African American struggles for liberation from all forms of oppression. 

Offered Online: Yes
Prerequisite:

BLAS 101

BLAS 250 - Special Topics in Black Studies

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

Special Topics in Black Studies will examine the historical and sociopolitical context of a given topic concerning black identity and the cultural impact and contributions of black people. The course will trace the historical patterns of the topic from its origins to the present, as well as emphasize the diversity of Black thought. The course will contextualize the topic of focus, such as code switching, postcolonialism, Pan-Africanism, critical race theory, black feminism, and social justice, within a relevant theoretical framework that speaks to historical realities. Students will read works about and within the topic and study its development as well as its historical, economic, political, and social contexts.

General Education Fulfillment: Cultural Analysis and Interpretation
Prerequisite:

ENGL 101, which may be taken concurrently.

BLAS 290 - Black Studies Capstone Course: Community Engagement and Civic Leadership

2-0-1-3
Credit Hours: 3

The Black Studies capstone course, Community Engagement and Civic Leadership, is designed to further develop student research and critical thinking skills, leadership and service as well as prepare students for the next steps in their academic and/or professional career within local and global black communities. Additionally, BLAS 290 requires semester long coursework on civic leadership, community engagement, and an additional 15-hour service learning project at a target site. Independent projects require proper approval.

Offered Online: Yes
Prerequisite:

BLAS 101 and ENGL 102