Mission of the African American Studies Department
The department of African American Studies is an interdisciplinary academic enterprise focused on the rigorous study of the life, history and culture of people of African descent.
More specifically, we prioritize teaching, research and service that centers the African American experience.
Students who pursue study and scholarship in African American Studies are equipped with critical and analytical skills to work in global and multicultural environments. Our department offers a solid program of study that draws from a range of academic fields including history, literature, sociology, psychology, political science, economics, literature, art, music, and media.
Many of our majors have gone on to graduate school and carved out influential careers in a variety of fields, including law, the performing arts, international affairs, religion, politics, education, and business.
African American Studies Student Learning Outcomes
Student learning assessment at the program level is intended to promote and maintain program excellence and improve student learning. Each department in the College of Arts & Sciences has developed a set of learning outcomes for their programs and engages in faculty-led assessment activities to help inform curricular and program review and development. Student learning is assessed in different ways across A&S departments, informed by disciplinary standards and the specific learning outcomes of the program.