Black Studies Information | Black Studies Programs | Black Studies Courses
Courses (B/ST)
LOWER DIVISION
1. Language Skills (3)
Not open for credit to students with credit in B/ST 170A.
Focuses on intensive development of grammatical skills and expository writing. Primarily for Black students.
Credit/no credit only. Counts as part of student’s course load but does not carry graduation credit.
100. Language Skills – Composition (3)
Prerequisite: A recorded total of 151 above on the English Placement test (EPT), or credit in B/ST 1 or its equivalent.
Focuses on organizational methods and techniques for writing compositional and expository prose, advanced grammar and some critical reading techniques for term papers. Designed for first year students, especially Bidialectal and ESL students.
Not open for credit to students with credit in ENGL 100, ASAM 100, CHLS 104.
110. Introduction to Black Studies (3)
Prerequisite/Corequisite: One GE Foundation course.
A critical survey of the major themes, issues, concepts, current research, schools of thought, theorists and scholars in the discipline of Black Studies, as well as its historical evolution and academic rationale.
115. introduction to African Politics (3)
A review of recent developments or changes in the government, parties, political ideologies, politics, leadership and political processes in selected African countries.
120. Afro-American History to 1865 (3)
Prerequisite/Corequisite: One GE Foundation course.
Survey course presenting a description and analysis of African civilization before the coming of the European. Focus on impact, significance and role played by the African-American from the colonial period through the American Revolution, to the Civil War.
121. Afro-American History 1865-Present (3)
Prerequisites/Corequisite: One GE Foundation course.
Impact of social, economic and political change on Blacks in America after the Reconstruction period. Black migration, education, cultural development and business enterprises will be examined.
140. Introduction to African-American Literature (3)
Prerequisite/Corequisite: One GE Foundation course.
A study of selected or representative literature of the African-American writer. Special attention will be given to style, content, methodology and thematic approach.
150. Critical Thinking in Black Studies (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in B/ST 100 or equivalent.
Introduction to the nature and process of critical thinking. Extensive practice in critical reasoning directed toward developing cognitive skills and dispositions central to its application in academic work and in the analysis and advocacy of personal perspectives and social issues.
154. Introduction to Africana Women’s Studies (3)
Prerequisite/Corequisite: One G.E. foundation course.
Critical introduction to basic concepts, perspectives and methodology in Africana women studies, focusing on historical and contemporary continental and diasporan African women’s experience, initiatives, issues, and intersections of race/class/gender within the context of their oppression, resistance and internal creative capacity.
155. Afro-American Music (3)
Prerequisite/Corequisite: One GE Foundation course.
Nontechnical survey of African-American music. Some attention given to the impact of social movements on the musician and the music produced. Gospel, jazz and well-known derivatives will be highlighted.
160. Introduction to Black Arts (3)
Prerequisite/Corequisite: One GE Foundation course.
A presentation of prevailing themes, methodology, concepts and meaning in African art. Equal time is given to contemporary art and art of recent history. The work of some African artists highlighted as appropriate.
167. Exploitation of the Black Athlete (3)
Study of the socio-dynamics of amateur, professional and collegiate sports activity in the United States as it relates to the African-American community. Case studies of well-known Black athletes will also be presented.
170A. Elementary Swahili (4)
Prerequisites/Corequisite: Any Foundation Course.
For those who are just beginning the study of Swahili. Introduction to grammar, syntax comprehension, reading, writing and conversation in the lanaguage.
Letter grade only (A-F).
170B. Elementary Swahili (4)
Prerequisites: B/ST 170A or equivalent competency.
A continuation of B/ST 170A. Advanced grammar, syntax, comprehension, reading, writing and conversation in the lanaguage.
Letter grade only (A-F).
180. Black Language in America (3)
Historical, phonological, and sociological aspects of the language of Black Americans; traces early uses in Africa; linguistic development from lingua franca to pidgin and creole; linguistic symbols, terms, and analysis applied to Black English; difference versus deficit theory.
190. Racism in the American Military (3)
Concise review of alternate policies of exclusion, restriction, segregation and conscription of the African-American in armed services.
200. Ancient African Civilizations (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Foundation requirements.
A study of ancient African empires and kingdoms. Topics include migration, education, family structure, political institutions, cultural transmission and commercial trade.
201. History of Slavery (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Foundation requirements.
Historical examination of trans-Atlantic slave trade and its impact on Africa and the Western Hemisphere. Nature of slavery in Africa, Greece, Italy, the Caribbean, the Middle East, South America, and the United States. Legacy of Slavery.
205. Modern Black South African Literature (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Foundation requirements.
Study of South African literature written in English by Africans since 1800’s to present. “Black” used broadly to include South Africans of mixed parentage whom the racial laws and policies of the white minority government separated, classifying them as “Coloreds.”
Letter grade only (A-F).
210. African American Community (3)
Prerequisites: All Foundation Courses.
Examines the social structure and challenges in the community life of African-Americans as compared to other ethnic groups. Explore and analyze how institutional and stratified pattern, demographic changes, social movements, community organizational programs affect blacks. Case studies presented.
215. U.S. Diversity and the Ethnic Experience (3)
Prerequisities: Open only to Integrated Teacher Education Program students.
Comparative study of four major ethnic groups: Native Americans, African Americans, Latino America, and Asian Americans) in U.S. society from the colonial era to the present.
Same course as AIS 215, ASAM 215, CHLS 215. The departments take turns offering the course in the Fall semester. Letter grade only (A-F).
240. African and African American Folklore and Culture (3)
An examination and presentation of material on folklore, folk tales, and folk heroes in the Black community. Some attention also given to Black mythology.
255. Introduction to Hip Hop (3)
Prerequisites: All Foundation Courses.
A critical exploration of Hip Hop’s history and culture, which includes analyses of its impact and influence on contemporary aesthetic culture, race relations, gender politics and struggles for social justice.
UPPER DIVISION
General Education Category A must be completed prior to taking any upper division course except upper division language courses where students meet formal prerequisites and/or competency equivalent for advanced study.
304. The African Colonial Experience (3)
A critical examination of colonialism as a world phenomenon focusing on colonialism in Africa as the paradigm and point of departure for a specific and comparative understanding.
310. Black Male and Female Relationships (3)
A comprehensive study of male/female patterns of interaction in the Black community. Some attention given to institutional impact, role changes and projected images of relationships.
319. The Ethnic Experience in the U.S. (3)
Comparative study of race, cultures, and ethnic relations in U.S. society with special focus on experiences of four core groups: Native Americans, African American, Asian Americans, and Latino Americans.
Same course as AIS 319, ASAM 319, CHLS 319, W/ST 319. (Lecture/Discussion.)
325. Psychology of Minorities (3)
Prerequisite: B/ST 110 or PSY 100.
Develops the concept of a minority psychology. Using comparative techniques and guest lecturers, this course introduces the student to common psychological consequences in the experience of being a minority person.
330. Politics of the Black Community (3)
Prerequisites: B/ST 110 and 121.
Study of the perspectives, styles, problems and dynamics of political activity in the Black community.
331. Black Juvenile (3)
Prerequisite: B/ST 210 or consent of instructor.
Critical approach to the problem of juvenile justice in the black community.
332. Civil Rights and the Law (3)
Designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the interaction between the American legal system and civil rights of Blacks, other minorities, women, and the general citizenry.
335. Economic Development in the Black Community (3)
Prerequisites: B/ST 110 and 121.
Development of business and banking institutions in the Black community. Some attention given to the impact of external factors on development.
Letter grade only (A-F).
337. Cultures of the Pan-African Peoples (3)
Prerequisite: B/ST 200 or consent of instructor.
Presentation of a cultural map of African people emphasizing geography, migration and cultural similarities.
340. Research Topics in African-American Literature (3)
Prerequisite: B/ST 140.
In-depth presentation and analysis of selected issues and dominant personalities in African-American literature; personality and issue to be matched.
343A. African Literature (3)
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Foundation requirements and one or more Explorations courses.
A general survey of traditional and contemporary African Literature within the context of the historical, political, social, economic, and cultural movements. Also a comparison of Pan-African Literature and Western Literature.
343B. Caribbean Literature (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Foundation.
A general survey of traditional and contemporary Caribbean literature within the context of the historical, political, social, economic and cultural movements. Also a comparison of Pan-African literature and Western literature.
345. Politics of Black Power (3)
Systematic analysis of the Black Power movement of the 1960’s, including contributions and contradictions of major organizations, leadership, and ideologies.
346. Black Theatre (3)
Prerequisites: All Foundation Courses.
Introductory survey course of Black Theatre as a historic medium, profoundly revealing in its humanistic, literary, social and cultural heritage as it relates to Africa, America and the Caribbean.
353I. Black Religion (3)
Prerequisites: Completion of the GE Foundation, one or more exploration courses and upper division standing.
Critical examination of selected spiritual and ethical traditions of the world African community with emphasis on Maat, Ifa, Christianity and Islam, their sacred texts and commentaries, major themes, representative figures, and comparative analyses of their continental and diasporan expressions.
354. Black Women and the Civil Rights Movement (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the G.E. foundation requirements.
A critical examination of the vital and multiple roles Black women played in the modern civil rights movement. Emphasis on Black women’s agency, activism and shared vision, and role as an essential political force in reconceiving and reshaping U.S. history.
363. History of African Art (3)
Survey of African art from antiquity to the present, with principal focus on sub-Saharan art.
370. Black Images in the Mass Media (3)
Prerequisite: B/ST 121.
Examination of portrayal of Black people in mass media, past and present. Primary emphasis on newspapers, radio, films and television.
380. African Political Theory (3)
Prerequisite: B/ST 115.
Examination of theorists and theories which shape African political philosophy. Special attention given to the concepts of Pan-Africanism, African socialism, Negritude and revolution.
381. Blacks and Party Politics (3)
Analysis of Black participation in U.S. political party process. Special features include information on Black participation in Republican, Democratic and third-party organizations. Material and discussion on independent Black political party efforts included.
400. Afro-American Social Thought (3)
Survey of African-American intellectual history, with emphasis on social theories and opposing schools of intellectual thought.
404. Contemporary Issues of the Third World Nations (3)
Study of the shifting power and international status of the Black world. Geo-politics and the diplomatic policies of selected countries will be highlighted.
410. The Black Family (3)
Prerequisite: B/ST 325 or consent of instructor.
Systematic study, and socio-historical analysis of the structure and function of the Black Family in the United States. Sociological/ theoretical analysis of the models of family units, roles and interpersonal relation in society. Comparison with other family units in America.
415. International Black Children’s Literature (3)
A survey of literature for and/or about Black children by authors from Africa, the U.S., the Caribbean and the rest of the Diaspora.
420. Black Children in Public Schools (3)
Theories, concepts and principles relating to the intellectual growth, development and learning of Black children.
423. Problems in Psychological Assessment of African Americans (3)
Prerequisites: candidates must have a working knowledge of statistical concepts, upper-division standing in Black Studies or consent of instructor.
Examination of issues, problems, and practices in the assessment of African American children.
424. Advocacy for Black Child Mental Health (3)
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing or consent of instructor.
Examination of essential mental health needs of African-American children, their legal and educational rights as well as preventive and remedial measures. Emphasis on advocacy, building system of delivery of human services at neighborhood levels for preventive and remedial needs.
430. African Political Leadership in the Twentieth Century (3)
Critical examination of African’s search for national liberation and cohesion, collectively built institutions, movements/parties and ideological self-definition. Comparative study of traditional African leadership concepts and modern forms. Focus on selected countries and major African leaders.
432. Advanced Studies in Afro-American Music (3)
Prerequisite: B/ST 155.
Study of the development, evolution and essence of Afro-American music in the 20th century from perspectives of Afro-American social and cultural history.
450. Black Writers Workshop (3)
Prerequisite: ENGL 100, B/ST 100, or equivalent.
Requires extensive writing in four major areas: poetry, drama, fiction and documentaries. It assumes that technical or grammatical problems of writing have been taken care of and focuses on themes which are Afro-centric.
452. Ecology of Black Crime (3)
Prerequisite: B/ST 210 or 332.
Study of the interrelationships between the black criminal, the minority community and the criminal justice system.
454I. Africana Womanism: An Intellectual History (3)
Prerequisites: Completion of the G.E. foundation requirements, one or more exploration courses and upper division standing.
Historical and critical study of the major schools of thought in Africana womanism, including continental and diasporan sources, historical evolution, cultural grounding, methodology, discourse on and with feminism, enduring and current issues and its relevance and relation to social change.
460. African Thought (3)
Prerequisite: Background knowledge of Africa from history, political science, anthropology or sociology is highly recommended.
Analysis of philosophical and religious systems of Africa from antiquity to present.
475. Racism and Sexism: An Analytical Approach (3)
Prerequisite: B/ST 332.
An examination of institutions and a study of legislation which has been written and implemented in consequence of racism and sexism in American society. Social theories used to support concepts of racism and sexism will also be presented.
490. Special Topics in Black Studies (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Topics of current interest in black studies selected for intensive development.
May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units with different topics in the same semester. Topics will be announced in the Schedule of Classes.
495. Research Methods in Black Studies (3)
Prerequisites: B/ST 110 and 6 units upper division work in Black Studies. For Department majors.
Presents information on use of scientific methods in Black Studies, research theory, research design, sampling, measurement and science techniques. Focuses on instrument construction as well as test reliability and validity.
Letter grade only (A-F).
498I. Ancient Egyptian Ethical Thought (3)
Prerequisites: Completion of the G.E. Foundation, one or more Exploration courses, and upper division standing.
Critical study of ethical thought of ancient Egypt with due attention to theological, literary and socio-historical context in which it was developed and evolved, including examination of its major ethical texts and comparative analysis with surrounding traditions.
499. Directed Studies (1-3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Permits individual students to pursue topics of special research interest.
May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units.