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Black Studies (BLS) @ UMass Dartmouth

In Fall of 2013, African & African- American Studies (AAS) will officially become Black Studies (BLS)

Black Studies (BLS) is an academic minor engaging students in an interdisciplinary exploration of the arts, humanities and social sciences from an Afro-centric perspective.

In addition, the history, literature, and social and scientific contributions and experiences of Black peoples are crucial to the fabric of the story of the United States — and to that of world history.

The Black Studies minor provides students with the opportunity to:

• Engage in studies of the arts, humanities and sciences from the perspectives, social and intellectual traditions of people of African and the African Diaspora.
• Plan and implement scholarly and/or creative projects, and civic engagement activities related to Black people and communities.
• Contribute to a basic understanding of the unique issues people of African ancestry face in the modern world, through original research, project-based civic engagement, and creative activities.

A Black Studies minor is valuable preparation for a broad range of careers and graduate level fields of study, as the Black Studies minor further expands critical thinking skills and an interdisciplinary methodology that are assets in any career.

History of Black Studies @ UMass Dartmouth

In 1991, Dr. Gloria E. Waite and Dr. John Bush introduced the African & African American Studies (AAS) program to UMass Dartmouth; similar to the Black Studies programs found at colleges and universities around the country since the late 1960’s. These programs provided a formal curriculum that drew upon the Afro-centric scholarship traditions of such pioneers as Alexander Crummell, Carter G. Woodson, Duke Ellington, WEB Dubois, Kathryn Dunham, Alain Locke, John Henrik Clark, and Zora Neale Hurston.

Since it’s formation, the program is directly linked to the Frederick Douglass Unity House; with a mutual dedication to scholarly and cultural programming; the retention of students of African descent; and promoting civic engagement among students and student groups.

In fall of 2011, by unanimous vote of the affiliate faculty and program director, the program changed it’s name to Black Studies (BLS).

Since it’s inception, aside from offering a range of courses, as well as directed and independent study opportunities; the program has sponsored or co-sponsored a myriad of lectures, presentation, performances of music, poetry, dance, drama, conferences, journals, guest and resident scholars, artists, and community services projects for communities in New Bedford, Brockton, Roxbury, Mattapan, Wareham, Mashpee and Plymouth.

Enhance Your Career Opportunities With Black Studies

A minor in Black Studies enhances any Bachelor’s degree. It signals to potential employers and graduate schools that a graduate has received a well-rounded liberal arts education, one that is at its core both socially conscious and engaged. In addition, the history, literature, scientific contributions, and communities of Black peoples are crucial to the fabric of the story of the United States — and to that of world history.

A Black Studies minor is extremely valuable in a global era, where by it further expands critical thinking skills and an interdisciplinary methodology that are assets in any career.

 Additional Information

For more information, please contact:

BLS Director, Mwalim *7) (Prof. MJ Peters) at Liberal Arts Building, Room 303 (PH: 508- 999-8304, MPeters).

BLS Secretary, Cheryl Bednarik at Liberal Arts Building, Room 356 (PH: 508.910.6296, CBednarik)