Minor Requirements and Courses
The Black Studies minor requires the completion of 18 semester hours in courses related to the study of African American people and ideas in multiple disciplines, including anthropology, art, history, literature, music, philosophy, political science, sociology, speech communication, and theater.
Black Studies MinorHighlighted Elective for Spring 2025
POLS 310-002 – Politically Black? (Readings in Political Science)
Taught by Timothy E. Lewis, Ph.D.
When looking at political behavior, public opinion, party alliance, and institutional loyalty, Black Americans tend to be monolithic. Why is this? Does this create a sense of “political Blackness?” When Black citizens diverge from this monolithic behavior, does it prompt Black citizens to lose an aspect of their “Blackness?” These are the questions this independent readings course attempts to answer as it situates the concept of political Blackness.
Course Objectives
- Develop an understanding of the concepts of “group identity” and “linked fate”
- Understand and be equipped to explain political Blackness
- Understand contemporary political issues of Black Americans
- Explain why some citizens who are racialized as Black (race) divert from Blackness (identity) in their political thoughts and behaviors
