To major in Black World Studies,
a student must complete a minimimum of 26 semester hours, normally 8 courses, and 12 related hours, normally 4 courses, with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in the Program, distributed as follows:
- 2 of these 8 are the "Introductory Sequence"
- 6 of these are "Area Requirements"
- The remaining 4 courses are "Black World Studies Related Hours"
Introductory Sequence:
The "Introductory Sequence" consists of 2 foundation courses: BWS 151, Introduction to Black World Studies; and BWS 156, Introduction to Africa. Students normally take these 2 courses in sequence, although they may be taken simultaneously in a given semester, especially for students joining the program as sophomores or juniors. Ideally, this introductory sequence should be completed before the student takes other courses in the Program.
Area Requirements:
Students must take at least 2 courses from each of the following areas:
and 1 each from:
There is no particular sequence required or recommended, but most majors should try to fulfull these Area Requirements in their sophomore and junior years in order to leave themselves ample time to enroll in interesting related courses during their senior year. Majors may choose to take these courses any time after completing the Introductory Sequence.
Black World Studies Related Hours:
Students must choose 4 additional courses — "Black World Studies Related Hours" — from course offerings listed in Areas A - D in the Program to fulfull all their requirements for the major. The Penny Lectures, independent studies, occasional seminars, tutorials, internships, and summer workshops may be used to fulfill BWS related hours. Students must seek the permission of their BWS adviser or Director prior to taking these courses or participating in these internships, tutorials and workshops if they wish to have them counted toward the Area Requirements.
Capstone Experience:
A Capstone Seminar is not required for the major. However, students are advised to take a BWS Capstone Seminar (whenever one is offered) to fulfill their University Capstone requirement in their senior year.
Major Requirements at a Glance:
Black World Studies majors must take the following 2 courses ("Introductory Sequence"):
- BWS 151 Introduction to Black World Studies (4)
- BWS 156 Introduction to Africa (4)
Majors take a minimum of 2 courses each from Areas A and B (a total of 4 courses) and a minimum of 1 course each from Areas C and D (a total of 2 courses).
The remaining 4 courses (Related Hours) may be taken across the BWS curriculum (from A to D). While the Program does not require an area of concentration/specialization, a student may deepen his/her understanding of a particular area of BWS by selecting all or most of the remaining hours in that area of special interest.
