AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES
College: Social Sciences
Degree: B. S. or B.A.
Limited Access: NO
Contact: Dr. Patrick Mason; Ms. Patty Lollis
Address: 211 Bellamy Building, FSU
              Tallahassee, FL 32306-2151
Phone: (850) 644-4418
E-Mail: pmason@fsu.edu ; plollis@fsu.edu


Description of Major
African American Studies is an interdepartmental and interdisciplinary approach to the study of racial and ethnic identity, human relations, and cultural dynamics. The curriculum provides an intellectually powerful analysis of individual achievements, cultural phenomena and paradigms, institutional behaviors, global trends, and public discourse. The curriculum also focuses on educational and social policy issues.

In addition to common coursework, students in this major select one of the following concentrations:  Economics, Political Science, Sociology, or Humanities (BA only).

Prerequisite Coursework:  None.
There are no state-wide Common Program Prerequisites.  However, each concentration may have prerequisite courses that must be completed that may not be used to meet major requirements. 
Economics:  ECO 2013, ECO 2023, and either STA 2023 or STA 2122.
Political Science:  POS 1041, CPO 2002, and URP 3000.
Sociology:  SYG 1000 recommended.
Humanities:  no specific prerequisite courses.

Admission Requirements to Major Program of Studies
Students must complete at least 52 semester hours of credit with a minimum FSU GPA of 2.0 and most of the required Liberal Studies requirements met, including freshman English Composition and mathematics, or an A.A. Degree.

Mapping
Mapping is FSU’s academic advising and monitoring system.  Academic progress is monitored each Fall and Spring semester to ensure that students are on course to earn their degree in a timely fashion.  Transfer students must meet mapping guidelines to be accepted into their majors.   You may view the map for this major at
www.academic-guide.fsu.edu.

Students should consult with a program advisor regarding current courses approved to meet the history and concentration requirements.
1) Basic Core. 9 hours
AFA 2000 (3) Introduction to the Afro-American Experience in the US
AFA 3101 (3) Theory and Dynamics of Racism and Oppression or SYD 4700 (3) Race and Minority Group Relations
ANT 4352 (3) Peoples and Cultures of Africa or SOP 3782 (3) Psychology of the African-American
2) A history requirement. 6 hours
Students are required to take a minimum of six hours of African or African American History from an approved list.
3) Complete a concentration in one of the following specialty areas. 21 hours
Students must complete 21 hours in one of the following specialty areas.  Coursework will include both required coursework and additional coursework to be selected from an approved list.
Economics
Political Science
Sociology
Humanities

Language requirement: 0 to 12 credits.
Students choosing the Humanities specialty concentration, or others choosing to complete a BA degree, are required to demonstrate proficiency in a modern or classical foreign language through the intermediate (2000) level.

Computer Skills Competency:  3 hours.  CGS 2060 (3), CGS 2064 (3), or CGS 2100 (3).

Oral Communication Competency:  0-3 hours
Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly.  This requirement may be met through appropriate high school speech training or with an approved college-level course.

Minimum Program Requirements - Summary
Total Hrs. Required 120
Liberal Studies *36
Prerequisite courses vary
Major Coursework 36
Minor Coursework 0
Foreign Language 0-12
Computer Skills 3
Oral Competency 0-3
Electives to bring total hours to 120

Remarks:
1. 60 hours must be earned at a senior institution.
2. The final 30 hours must be in residence at FSU.
3. A minimum of 40 hours must be earned at the 3000/4000 (junior/senior) level.

Employment Information
Representative Job Titles Related to this Major: Archivist, Documentary Producer, Curator, Social Worker, Editor, Teacher, Publisher, Librarian, Public Relations Specialist, Free-lance Writer, Manufacturer's representative, Human Resource Specialist, Lobbyist and other positions for which a bachelors degree is required.