Program Overview
The African American Studies program at Spalding University continues the scholarly tradition of Black Studies established in the mid-20th century. Students in this program will critically explore the historical, economic, social, and political experiences of people of African descent in the United States. They will also have opportunities to apply their classroom knowledge to the broader community through service-learning experiences, internships, and research projects. Many African American Studies courses are cross-listed with other disciplines, fostering an inclusive classroom environment where all students can enhance their cultural awareness.

Admission
Students are directly admissible to the African American Studies program upon their admission to Spalding University. Students who are conditionally admitted will be required to work directly with the program director to support their Student Success Plan and provide an addition to the network of supports available.

Academic Advising
Advising is provided by the faculty members to help students sharpen their goals, select courses and access academic support services within the University. The faculty will assist students with professional school applications. In collaboration with the Writing Center and Career Development, students will also receive support on their personal statements, resume/curriculum vitae, interviewing techniques, and job placement.

Requirements
The Bachelor of Arts degree in African American Studies requires a total of 120 credit hours for the degree. These hours are comprised of 52 credit hours of University Studies requirements, 42 credit hours of major courses, and 26 credit hours of general elective courses. The major courses include 18 credit hours of core courses in African American Studies, 9 credit hours of African American Studies electives, 15 credit hours of supplemental interdisciplinary electives, and 26 credit hours of general electives.

Students must be in good academic standing according to the guidelines outline in the University Catalog and complete all course requirements in order to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in African American Studies.

African American Studies Degree Requirements: 120 credit hours
University Studies (52 hours)
African American Studies Core Courses (18 hours)
African American Studies Electives (9 credit hours)
Interdisciplinary Electives (15 credit hours)
General Electives (26 hours)

African American Studies Core Courses (18 credit hours):

AAS 201 Introduction to African American Studies
AAS 205 Black Legacy Series   
HIST 383 African American History I
HIST 384 African American History II
AAS 400 African American Studies Research Methods & Capstone (12-week course)
AAS 401 African American Studies Internship (3-6 credit hours over 6 weeks)

African American Studies Electives (9 credit hours)
Students will select courses from the African American Studies course list below to meet the 9 credit hour African American Studies electives requirement for the Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies degree.

AAS 301 Policing the Black Experience
AAS 304 1980s War on Drugs and School-to-Prison Pipeline
AAS 345 Survey of African American Education
AAS 385 History and Socio-politics in Black Louisville

Interdisciplinary Electives (15 credit hours)

Students will select courses from the list below to meet the 15 credit hour interdisciplinary electives requirement for the Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies degree.

CJ    220 Race, Crimes, and Restorative Justice
CJ    225 Juvenile Justice and Restorative Justice
CJR 340  Black Males in the Criminal Justice System
ENG 364 African American Literature
ENG 383 Themes in Literature
HIST 290 Race, Gender, Health, Medicine
HIST 330 Jim Crow American
RS    218 African American Religion
SW   310 Oppression and Privilege

Assessment:
Student learning is assessed through a variety of measures, including objective examination, research and reflective writing, and self-assessment by the student. Students will also be assessed through the projects within the Research Methods and Capstone Course completed in the late junior/early senior year as well as their internship course. It is through these experiences students will be able to demonstrate the applicability of theories and concepts within a supportive learning environment and under the supervision of a faculty member.

Application and Student Engagement in Black Studies:
The African American Studies program at Spalding University is guided by the theoretical framework of “applied” Black Studies. In this respect, students are required to engage in scholarship that provides analysis of social issues and to apply this scholarship to the broader community. Students fulfill this requirement by completing an approved internship showcasing this direct community interaction.

Program Sheet

Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies
African American Studies Minor