Mar 28, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2017-2018 
    
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

African American Studies, B.A.


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Objectives


The Department of African American Studies at LMU is devoted to the scholarly examination of the social, cultural, economic, political, and spiritual forces that impact the lives of people of African descent in the Americas and, in turn, the communities they create. AFAM and its curriculum provide students with an explanatory framework through which they can analyze not only the historical and contemporary experiences of peoples of African descent but also those of the wider human community in a global and increasingly diverse society.

By examining the lived experiences of Africans in America and throughout the Diaspora from the perspective of various disciplines, students develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their interactions within a diverse society. Thus, African American Studies provides students with an excellent preparation for graduate study, professional schools, social advocacy and activism to promote social justice, and numerous employment opportunities (e.g., law, education, counseling, entertainment, social work, public relations, business, etc.) that require a Bachelor of Arts degree.

African American Studies Student Learning Outcomes


By virtue of exposure to African American Studies courses, African American Studies students should know:

  • The general history of African American people in the U.S. and the Diaspora
  • A basic comprehension of the Black Aesthetic
  • The significance of Black people of America and the global community
  •  A critical understanding of the systemic forces that impact traditional institutions within the Black community;

African American Studies students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate written competency in the analysis of theories and practices concerning Black racial formations
  • Demonstrate oral competency in the analysis of theories and practices concerning Black racial formations
  • Use and interpret data and other social facts to answer research questions pertaining to African American interests;

African American Studies students should value:

  • The role of African American Studies in and by direct engagement with Black communities
  • The dignity of Black people, institutions, and practices
  • The concept of diversity in the modern and complex world in which we live.

Major Requirements


Lower Division Required Courses:


Upper Division Required Courses:


Electives:


Eight (8) semester hours in AFAM courses, four (4) of which must be Upper Division. Students may count Gospel Choir courses as Lower Division electives for the Major.

African American Studies Model Four-Year Plan


The normal course load is 16 semester hours (4 classes). By following the model below, a student will complete all lower division core requirements by the end of the sophomore year as well as AFAM major prerequisites. Note that core areas are suggested to provide a distribution of various disciplines every semester. Please be flexible implementing these suggestions, given your own interests and course availability. In four years, this plan meets all common graduation requirements.

Freshman Year


Fall Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Sophomore Year


Fall Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 14-16 semester hours

Junior Year


Fall Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Senior Year


Fall Semester


  • AFAM Upper Division 4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours

 

Total: 13-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


  • 4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
Total: 13-16 semester hours

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