Professor: Ann duCille (Kenan Professor of the Humanities) (Chair, African American Studies Program);

(Director, Center for African American Studies) ( English); Gayle Pemberton (English)

Associate Professor: Ashraf Rushdy (English)

Assistant Professor: Renee Romano (History)

Adjunct Assistant Professor and Visiting Writer in African American Studies: Kate Rushin

Artist-in-Residence: Doretha (Mickey) Davidson (Dance)

Departmental Advising Experts 2000-2001: Ann duCille, Gayle Pemberton, Ashraf Rushdy

African American Studies (AFAM) is an interdisciplinary major that offers a broad knowledge of the life of blacks in the United States and in the Caribbean. The AFAM major is complemented by a concentration in a specific discipline.

Any student who completes the major will receive a degree in African American Studies with concentration in a particular discipline. A double major is also an option.

African American Studies offers two categories of courses: Core courses provide a general introduction to areas of inquiry in African American studies. Elective courses explore the black experience and expression from different perspectives and disciplines.

Major Program. To be admitted to the major, students must have taken Introduction to African American Studies (AFAM201) and received a grade of B- or better. A cumulative average of B- or better must be maintained in all AFAM courses during and upon completion of the AFAM major. (You are strongly encouraged to consult with the AFAM chair to determine which courses will best enable you to complete the program requirements.) Eleven (11) courses are required of AFAM majors: six (6) in AFAM Studies and five (5) in a related field of concentration. All courses must be letter-graded. One tutorial of CR/U is acceptable. No transfer credits are acceptable.

AFAM Studies Core Courses (3). Introduction to African American Studies (AFAM201), Introduction to African American History (AFAM203 or AFAM204), and one (1) AFAM social science course.

Elective Courses (3). Of the remaining three (3) courses, one (1) course each must be chosen from three of the following areas: American studies, anthropology, art, cinema, dance, economics, English, government, history, music, psychology, religion, sociology, theater, or women’s studies. Courses chosen must be from among those cross-listed with AFAM.

Field of Concentration. The possible fields of concentration are African American Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, Art, Dance, Economics, English, Film Studies, Government, History, Latin American Studies, Music, Philosophy, Psychology, Religion, Romance Languages and Literatures, sociology, theater, and Women’s Studies.

The five (5) courses taken in the chosen field of concentration must include those courses required of the majors in that field of study. Majors must consult with faculty in both AFAM and the department of concentration to determine which courses are required. (Note: AFAM Studies majors intending to concentrate in art must make their intention known to the chair of the Art Department. Counseling with a member of the faculty of the Art Department is required as soon as the student expresses the intention of concentrating in art.)

The five (5) courses taken in the field of concentration cannot be counted toward AFAM core courses or AFAM electives.

Majors are required to undertake one substantial research or artistic project under faculty supervision before graduation. Students may satisfy this requirement by presenting an honors thesis, a senior essay, a senior project, or by enrolling in an advanced seminar (a 300- or 400-level course that requires a substantial research paper) either in AFAM or in the department of concentration.