More Than A Minor!!!

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Black Studies (BLS)

MISSION:

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 (BLS) @ UMass Dartmouth

In 1991, Dr. Gloria E. Waite and Dr. John Bush introduced the African & African American Studies (AAS) program to the UMass Dartmouth community; 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 scholar traditions of such pioneers as Alexander Crummell, Frank Snowden, Frantz Fanon, 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, Barnstable, and Plymouth.

How To MINOR IN BLACK STUDIES:

The Black Studies minor is an eighteen (18) Credit minor. The first step is to obtain a “Declaration of Minor” form, which can download here => “request for minor form ” PDF form; or it can be found in the CAS building outside of Rooms 356, 303 or at the Frederick Douglass Unity House. complete the form, and return it to Ms. Cheryl Bednarik (in Liberal Arts Building, Room 356). We will get your form to the Registry.

BLS minors are required to take:

• BLS 101 Intro to Black Studies (or an approved equivalent).
• Two (2) 200- level courses.*
• Two (2) 300 and/or 400- level courses.*
• The capstone seminar BLS 480 (or an approved equivalent)

*from the approved curriculum

Previous activities and Capstone projects by Black Studies have included:

-       Providing tutoring to middle and high school students, tracking student progress.
-       Research & presentations on post Colonial West African countries.
-       Research and presentations into voting trends and re-districting of votes in Black communities.
-       The African Diaspora and cultural hybrids.
-       African Dance choreography and performance
-       A documentary about Black hair- styles.
-       Research and presentations around the criminal justice system and Black males in America.
-       Creating non-profit, community service organizations, addressing social, political and/or economic issues and needs in Black communities.
-       Annotated art exhibits.

For clarification, guidance, and advising regarding the minor, contact the Director, Mwalim (Prof. MJ Peters) at Liberal Arts Building, Room 303 (phone: 508- 999-8304; mpeters@umassd.edu).

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