Black Studies (Minor)
The Black Studies Minor is an 18-credit minor that uses an interdisciplinary approach to analyze historical and current issues of people of African descent in the United States. The minor affords students the opportunity to explore multiple academic disciplines through the lens of the Black experience and consider personal views about race and racism, using anti-Black racism as a framework for understanding.
- Degrees & Offerings
-
- Minor
- Location
-
- Bloomsburg
- Lock Haven
- Mansfield
- College
- Program Contact
-
Associate Professor of Psychology
The Time to Join... is NOW!
Students will consider ways to promote racial equity and become leaders and social activists within their respective communities. The Black Studies Minor is designed to attract students from all fields of study and complement all majors.
Courses and Curriculum
Black Studies Minor Requirements
- 18 credits required for minor completion
- Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester and use Degree Works to monitor their individual progress toward completion of the minor.
Students who successfully complete the Black Studies Minor will be able to:
- Identify, explain, and critically evaluate examples of anti-Black racism in past and present institutions, policies, cultures, and practice using an interdisciplinary approach.
- Identify, explain and critically evaluate how race, culture, and history shape one’s social identity and place in society using an interdisciplinary approach.
- Compare, contrast, and synthesize disciplinary approaches to exploring Black Studies.
- Explore courses from at least two disciplines that focus on Black Studies including but not limited to African and African-American art, communication, culture, education, history, literature, music, political science, psychology, sociology, and theatre in order to gain a multi-disciplinary perspective.
- Identify, explain, and critically evaluate personal, academic, professional, and/or institutional pathways to promote racial equity within one’s sphere of influence.
Commonwealth U Because
Facilities
Faculty deliver courses in technology-enhanced classrooms with vast multimedia capabilities. Students can access open computer labs and campus wireless network when using personally-owned devices. Students can request technology resources from their campus library and media services.
Flexible Start Dates & a Diverse Student Population
Scheduling life is demanding. If you're a student who needs to get a degree within the traditional four years, but can't achieve this because of limited course offerings, interdisciplinary studies gives you the freedom and flexibility to select from a wider assortment of options that may uniquely appeal to you, or which provide the flexibility of scheduling courses that, especially for students with family or work obligations, need to accommodate a limited window of availability.
Internships
Commonwealth University allows you to earn up to 15 internship credits and have them count toward your degree at CU. Expectations are negotiated with the faculty sponsor but usually include, at a minimum: a daily log, a reaction paper, an abstract, and a positive evaluation from the site supervisor. In order to be eligible for internship credit, you must have completed 60 credits and have a 2.5 overall GPA.
Scholarships
From honorariums to full-tuition waivers, scholarships exist to reward your hard work and dedication to the major.
Study Abroad
Traveling to exotic locations such as Madrid or Melbourne can be exciting and life changing, but there is always the concern that study abroad will negatively affect your progress toward graduation. With an interdisciplinary studies major, you can typically study abroad for a semester, or even a full year, without the loss of credits toward the completion of your degree.
Applying to This Program
Apply
-
Application Process
Review the step-by-step process whether you're a first-year student, transferring to CU, or more.
-
Apply Now
By starting your application, you gain access to your personalized application portal to view your progress.
-
Scholarships
As the largest comprehensive university in north central and northeastern Pennsylvania, CommonwealthU works hard to provide a world-class education that consistently rates among the best values in the nation.
Explore More
-
Explore Commonwealth University
There's no better way to learn more than to experience Commonwealth University for yourself! Set up a campus tour or connect with us virtually.
-
Connect with Your Admissions Counselor
Applying to college is a big step. You have questions, and we have answers!
-
Understanding Financial Aid
Financial Aid can be a complex topic. Our Financial Aid team is here to tell you what you need to know and help you navigate the financial aid process.