Minor in African and African American Studies

Catalog Year: 2023-2024

Banner Code: LA-MINOR-LA-AFAM

In this minor, students will examine the cultural, historical, economic, and political dimensions and experiences of people of African descent in America, the Caribbean, Africa, and throughout the Diaspora. Students will learn theories and methodologies that are used to examine the complex dynamics of race, class, gender, and ethnicity in America. Through this minor, students are able to develop critical and analytical approaches to societal issues because such issues are addressed and delineated through a variety of academic disciplines.

Students are encouraged to do an internship as part of the minor to further enhance their education and provide them with valuable preparation for the workforce.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.

Minor Requirements

Total credits: 18

Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.

Required Course

AFAM 200 Introduction to African American Studies (Mason Core) 3
Total Credits 3

Electives

Select 15 credits from the following: 1 15
Special Topics in African and African American Studies  
Internship  
Independent Study  
Global Africa  
Rhetoric of Social Movements and Political Controversy (Mason Core)  
Gender, Race, and Class in the Media  
Culture, Identity, and Conflict  
Justice and Reconciliation  
Human Rights and Inequality  
Global Dance Perspectives I (Mason Core) (May be applied to the minor when the topic is relevant to African and African American Studies)  
Beginnings of African American Literature Through 1865  
African American Literature: Reconstruction to 1903  
African American Literature Through 1946  
Contemporary African American Literature  
Topics in Francophone African Literature and Culture  
Topics in Caribbean Francophone Literature and Culture  
Culture, Sexuality and the Global AIDS Epidemic  
Geography of North Africa and the Middle East  
Government and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa  
Politics of Race and Gender  
Issues in Public Policy and Administration  
Survey of African History (Mason Core)  
Survey of African History (Mason Core)  
Black Social Movements  
The African American Experience in the United States: African Background to 1885  
The African American Experience in the United States: Reconstruction to the Present  
History of South Africa (Mason Core)  
Critical Race Studies (Mason Core)  
Representations of Race (Mason Core)  
Fundamentals of Rock, Blues, and Jazz (Mason Core)  
Jazz and Blues in America (Mason Core)  
Philosophy, Race, and Gender  
Introduction to Race and Ethnicity  
Social Movements and Political Protest  
Race and Ethnicity in a Changing World (Mason Core)  
The Urban World (Mason Core)  
Diversity and Inclusion Issues in Sport  
Women and Work  
Black Social Movements: Gendering of Violence and Activism  
Women During the Enslavement Era  
Women during the Enslavement Era
Women's Activism: From Jim Crow to Black Power  
Women's Activism: From Jim Crow to Black Power
Gender, Race, Sexuality, and TV  
Race, Class, and LGBTQ Communities  
Policing Black Bodies  
Total Credits 15
1

Other courses, when relevant, may be able to meet this requirement with prior written approval of the director.