Department of African-American and African Studies

The African-American and African Studies program addresses itself to the experience of peoples of African descent on the continent of Africa and in the diaspora, particularly in the United States. It provides a coherent focus on the history, economy, politics, literature, religion and culture of black people throughout the world and their interaction with the rest of humankind. Its interdisciplinary approach, drawing from the experience of faculty trained in the areas of African-American and African Studies, presents a stimulating diversity of perspectives integrated into a totality not available in other disciplines, programs or departments. The curriculum is designed to provide a useful educational experience and academic skills for students who wish to consider graduate study or professional school and pursue careers in community development agencies; federal, state and city civil service; business; museums and archives; and diplomatic or foreign service; as well as research, journalism, international organizations and teaching.

The goals of the Department of African-American and African Studies are:

1. To provide and preserve knowledge with purpose and direction about the aggregate experience of peoples of African descent by offering a Bachelor of Arts degree in African-American and African Studies and courses in the field to the University community and the public.
2. To foster intercultural understanding, expose and correct biased scholarship, and dispel myths and stereotypes through course content, programs, exchanges and cultural interaction.
3. To provide a cultural background (through courses, advising and other meaningful activities) supportive to students, particularly African- American students, in moving toward personal growth and self- awareness.
4. To provide general and specific academic skills to majors and non- majors through courses and activities that promote research, writing, reading and effective communication.
5. To promote an African-American and African perspective that will foster a political consciousness about the common bond uniting blacks in the diaspora and the African continent.
6. To prepare and assist students for career choices in life and graduate and professional schools through exposure to relevant experiences, courses and the demands of the working world.
7. To establish and maintain the Department's inter-disciplinary and intercultural nature through cooperative arrangements with other academic departments and civic and cultural institutions.
8. To generate new knowledge and paradigms about the African-American and African experience through research and publication and constant communication with similar programs.
9. To promote faculty development by providing required financial means, time, resources and proper environment to accomplish this end.

BACHELOR OF ARTS

The required junior research methods and senior seminar courses introduce students to research methodology and an in-depth probe into the themes and theories of African-American and African Studies. During the senior year, with the instructor's assistance, students design and work on a major project known as Project Demonstrating Excellence (PDE). Using library, archival or community resources, students demonstrate practical mastery and synthesis of the skills and knowledge acquired through the major courses of study. Consult the Department of African-American and African Studies for a Suggested Schedule to complete the B.A. degree with a major in African-American and African Studies.

Senior projects may require student involvement in community agencies such as the African-American Cultural Center, the Greenville Center, the Mechanics and Farmers Bank, the Metrolina Association for the Blind, Planned Parenthood, and the Charlotte Post.

MINOR