Devoted to the exploration and analysis of the history and culture of Black people
in North America, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Africa,
Global Black Studies defines the Black experience from Black-centered perspectives,
illuminates the contributions of Black people to world cultures, and correct a traditional
approach to the study of world history that has tended to bypass the African Diaspora
experience. Global Black Studies centers the experiences, voices, and research of
Black people as a way to challenge dominant narratives. In short, our research and
teaching cover pre- and post-colonial Africa and the African Diaspora in its multiple
regions.
This area of study is interdisciplinary, which means students can study the experiences
of people of African ancestry from many perspectives including literature, culture,
history, educational practices, sociological studies, theology and more. Students
will also become familiar with Afrocentricity, Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality,
Black Feminism, Black Critical Queer Theory, and Black Liberation Theology.
The minor consists of seven courses. Each student will be required to take 鈥淚ntroduction
to Black Studies,鈥� 鈥淜ey Paradigms and Theories in Black Studies鈥� and "Research, Methodologies
and Writing in Black Studies" The other 4 courses can come from a range of departments
and many of these courses are also liberal studies courses and will count toward liberal
studies electives
A minor in Global Black Studies is important to employers throughout the U.S., North
Carolina, and the WNC region. A GBS minor helps position students to distinguish themselves
for admission into graduate and professional school programs in a myriad of fields
and disciplines. In the workforce, students can draw on their coursework and experiences
working with people of diverse backgrounds. The minor also gives students a unique
skill set to discuss in interviews with prospective employers.
The Global Black Studies (GBS) Program is a systematic way of studying black people
in the world 鈥� such as their history, culture, sociology, art, politics, education,
and religion. It is a study of black experiences and the effect of societies on them
and their effect within societies. This study aims to, among other things, help eradicate
many racial stereotypes. Global Black Studies implements history, family structure,
social and economic pressures, stereotypes, and gender relationships. The mission
of the Global Black Studies Program is to provide a robust and critical program of
study, research and service on the Black global experience.
College of Arts & Sciences, Department of Humanities / Global Black Studies Program
Location
Cullowhee Campus
Length
Typically completed alongside a major; flexible pacing
Time to Complete:
Varies based on major and course sequencing
Credits:
7 courses total (3-course core plus 4 electives); generally 21鈥�22 semester credit
hours, depending on electives chosen
App Deadline:
No separate application; declare the minor through academic advising
More About Our Global Black Studies Minor
蘑菇短视频鈥檚 Global Black Studies Minor invites students from all
majors to explore the histories, cultures, intellectual traditions, and contemporary
experiences of African-descended peoples across the world. This interdisciplinary
program expands students鈥� understanding of how Black communities have shaped 鈥� and
continue to shape 鈥� global society through movements in art, politics, literature,
philosophy, music, diasporic identity, and social justice.
Drawing from courses in history, anthropology, literature, sociology, philosophy,
and cultural studies, students examine the development of the African diaspora from
ancient Africa to the present, including the transatlantic world, the Caribbean, the
Americas, and contemporary global contexts. The curriculum encourages students to
think critically about race, power, identity, inequality, resistance, and creativity
while learning to analyze cultural production, political movements, and global systems
through a Black studies lens.
The Global Black Studies Minor provides a structured yet flexible academic path for
students from any major. Through required core courses and electives from multiple
disciplines, students investigate the historical development and contemporary realities
of Black communities worldwide.
The interdisciplinary design ensures students gain depth and breadth 鈥� grounding them
in foundational theory and research while allowing real academic flexibility to tailor
the minor toward their interests (e.g. history, social justice, literature, cultural
studies, religion, or sociology).
Because of its interdisciplinary scope and critical focus on global Black experiences,
the minor fosters skills including historical and cultural literacy, research and
writing, cross-cultural communication, social analysis, and ethical awareness.
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