Nov 25, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2019-20

AAS 4300 - Social Theory, Research and Methodology in African American Studies


This course will introduce students to the methods and techniques of scholarly research and writing. The course will examine the basic tenets of Africana Studies social theories, research methods, and intellectual inquiry. The foundation of course will begin with an appreciation and understanding of the history, culture, philosophy and worldview of the lived experiences of peoples of African descent. The thematic concerns of the course will focus on social theory and research methods in the field of Africana Studies. The course will survey and investigate the influences of various theoretical perspectives and methodological concerns and determine their intellectual uses and application , as well as discuss some of the criticisms of these methods, particularly as they relate to contemporary thinking about local, national, and international Black experiences.

Requisites: AAS 1060 and (1010 or 2020) and (Jr or Sr)
Credit Hours: 3
Repeat/Retake Information: May be retaken two times excluding withdrawals, but only last course taken counts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 lecture
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Learning Outcomes:
  • Employ the methods ethnographers and historians use to conduct original research and to frame and analyze scholarly findings.
  • Gain critical thinking and writing skills about African American Studies research issues through the completion of several research writing assignments (annotated bibliography, literature reviews, and research questions).
  • Recognize and distinguish among various types of primary and secondary sources, their uses, and limitations.
  • Understand differences between Afrocentric and Eurocentric research, thought and practice.
  • Understand how to develop a scholarly research proposal.


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