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.

Policies

Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and students must complete all coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.

Banner Code: AAMS

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 200Introduction to African American Studies (Mason Core)3
Total Credits3

Electives

Select 15 credits from the following: 115
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 (Mason Core)
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
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 Credits15
1

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