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African American studies describe the systematic investigation into the vast range of racial, ethnic, cultural, and political perspectives, experiences, and beliefs of people of African heritage around the globe, with particular focus on the African Diaspora in the United States. Students emerge from Saint Louis University's African American Studies, B.A. program with a rigorous understanding of the histories, philosophies, culture, and literature emergent from the African Diaspora, thus enabling them to embark on careers in education, law, politics, business and the arts.
African American studies offer students the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the vast diversity of the society in which they live. Students will become knowledgeable about the African diaspora and be prepared to seek careers or professional programs where they can utilize knowledge in the design and implementation of programs for, and on behalf of, African Americans and other diasporic communities.
Our students, staff and faculty come from a range of backgrounds, experiences and fields of study. Collectively, our mission is to combine rigorous study, creativity and research in the production and exchange of knowledge concerning the African Diaspora.
We aim to foster a community of thinkers, scholars, activists, and artists whose work enriches understanding of how African Americans and other African Diasporic communities have mutually shaped the social worlds they inhabit.
SLU's African American studies major is open to all students pursuing an undergraduate degree, regardless of race, ethnicity or national origin.
Christopher Tinson, Ph.D.
Program Director
A total of 30 credits are required to complete SLU's major in African American studies. Students complete five core courses designed to introduce them to the goals of the African American studies program and to help them further develop an understanding of the African diaspora and its impact, interrelationships and dynamics in contemporary African American communities.
African American Studies courses at Saint Louis University intersect with a variety of academic majors. Courses that make the core of the African American studies degree are taught within our program. The program also offers cross-listed courses with other academic departments, and when taken for the African American studies, requirements may also fulfill the College of Arts and Sciences core requirements. The variety of courses across academic disciplines enables students to develop new ways of conceptualizing issues related to race, identity and culture in their scholarly pursuits.
SLU's African American studies program also offers special academic opportunities such as internships and field service projects in African American communities for students who are looking for challenges outside of the classroom. Students should consult the program director for more information on this aspect of our program.
Majoring in African American studies gives students the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the pluralistic society in which they live.
Career options include:
Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply. Saint Louis University also accepts the Common App.
All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory course work is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.
To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, the applicant must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. Beginning with the 2021-22 academic year, undergraduate applicants will not be required to submit standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) in order to be considered for admission. Applicants will be evaluated equally, with or without submitted test scores.
Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply.
Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED. An official high school transcript and official test scores are required only of those students who have attempted fewer than 24 transferable semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit. Those having completed 24 or more of college credit need only submit a transcript from previously attended college(s). In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the office of admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University.
Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply.
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:
There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:
For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.
For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.
African American studies students must complete a minimum total of 30 credits for the major.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Requirements | ||
College core requirements | 57-66 | |
For additional information about core courses | ||
Required Courses | ||
AAM 2000 | Freedom Dreams: Intro to African American Studies | 3 |
AAM 2010 | Contemporary Black America | 3 |
AAM 4970 | Research Methods in African American Studies | 3 |
AAM 4960 | Capstone Course | 3 |
Choose one class at either the AAM 3xxx-level or AAM 4xxx-level | 3 | |
Required Elective Courses | 15 | |
The remaining 15 credits can be selected from courses with the 'African American Studies' attribute. Up to six hours of electives can be used for 'double duty' as Arts & Sciences core requirements. | ||
General Electives | 24-33 | |
Total Credits | 120 |
Students with a major in African American studies must maintain a 2.00 GPA in courses for the African American studies major.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Components and Credits | ||
Foundations of Discourse | 3 | |
Diversity in the U.S. | 3 | |
Global Citizenship | 3 | |
Foreign Language | 0-9 | |
Fine Arts | 3 | |
Literature | 6 | |
Mathematics | 3 | |
Natural Science | 6 | |
Philosophy | 9 | |
Social Science | 6 | |
Theology | 9 | |
World History | 6 | |
Total Credits | 57-66 |
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
AAM 2000 | Freedom Dreams: Intro to African American Studies | 3 |
CAS core courses | 9 | |
Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
AAM 2010 | Contemporary Black America | 3 |
AAM 2XXX | Cross listed elective course | 3 |
CAS core courses | 9 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
AAM 3XXX | Cross listed elective course | 3 |
CAS core courses | 9 | |
Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
AAM 3XXX | Cross listed elective course | 3 |
CAS core courses | 9 | |
Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
STUDY ABROAD OPTION | ||
CAS core courses | 9 | |
Electives | 6 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
AAM 3XXX/4XXX | Cross listed elective course | 3 |
CAS core courses | 9 | |
Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Four | ||
Fall | ||
AAM 4970 | Research Methods in African American Studies | 3 |
AAM 4XXX | Cross listed elective course | 3 |
CAS core courses | 6 | |
Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
AAM 4960 | Capstone Course | 3 |
AAM 4XXX | Cross listed elective course | 3 |
CAS core courses | 6 | |
Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Total Credits | 120 |