Black World Studies Major

Associate Professor Quaye
Continuing Part-time Assistant Professor Aniagolu
Continuing Part-time Associate Professor Skandor, Chisebe
Instructor Samson Wasao

Black World Studies examines the integrity, continuity, diversity, and vitality of African diaspora experiences. Its primary goal is to provide students with different perspectives on the history and culture of Africa and its diasporas in Central, North, and South America as well as the Caribbean and elsewhere. The major is multidisciplinary in character, combining approaches from political science, literature, sociology, anthropology, history, religion, art, psychology, and economics. Students are encouraged to do field work and internships. Study abroad opportunities to Africa and the Caribbean are also available. Since a background in Black World Studies can help prepare one for careers in education, social work, journalism, law, and community service, majors typically combine Black World Studies with a second major or minor in departments such as politics and government, sociology, English, and education.

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives:

Students will develop the ability to conceptualize BWS as a distinct discipline. This includes developing concepts, theories and perspectives to reflect critically on other traditional scholarship as it relates to Africa and the African diaspora.
Students will have the ability to develop a minimum level of competence in writing and oral expression in Swahili and to use that language to understand the customs, traditions and values of east Africans through the BWS study abroad program in Tanzania.
Students will develop the ability to conduct research by using basic quantitative and qualitative approaches to investigate a specific social problem (s).
Students will have the ability to develop in depth- knowledge of other cultures, and through that, a greater understanding of their own.
Students will develop the ability to write and to use writing as a tool to engage others in and outside the classroom.

Major Requirements

The Black World Studies (BWS) major consists of BWS 105 , BWS 499 ; one course from Category I: African; three courses from Category II: African-American; and four courses from Category III: Electives.

Please note that courses in Categories I and II may also be used as elective courses.

Category I: African

Category II: African-American

Category III: Electives

Off Campus Study

Ohio Wesleyan University in Tanzania. This program based in Arusha and Dar es Salaam includes extensive study of African cultures, field experiences, and travel throughout Tanzania and Kenya. Academic work for the program includes courses in East Africa Cultures; African Medical Systems; Women, Development and the Environment; and Swahili. Students may participate in an internship with a professional social service or a research institution. The program is currently scheduled to be offered Spring 2020. For further information, contact Dr. Randolph Quaye, Black World Studies, Director of the Ohio Wesleyan University program in Tanzania.