AAAS Major
The African American and African Studies program at Western Michigan University offers an interdisciplinary major with two options:
- African American Studies
- African Studies
The major is a concentration of 36 credit hours from required core courses and a combination of electives. Both major options integrate a language requirement that emphasizes the importance of world language study. However, the African Americans Studies option provides for studying a world language in the United States or abroad.
Students in the African Studies option are strongly encouraged to explore and pursue study abroad opportunities available through the African American and African Studies program and the Haenicke Institute for Global Education. Students selecting the African Studies option will satisfy the baccalaureate writing requirement by successfully completing AAAS 3800: Special Topics in Africana Literature and Culture.
African American Studies Option (36 hours)
See the catalog for course descriptions and prerequisites.
Core Requirements (16 to 19 hours)
- AAAS 2000 - Introduction to African American and African Studies, Credits: 3 hours
- AAAS 3000 - African American and African History, Culture and Experience to 1865, Credits: 3 hours
- AAAS 3010 - African American History, Culture and Experience from 1866 to the Present, Credits: 3 hours
- AAAS 4650 - Internship in African American and African Studies, Credits: 3 to 6 hours
World Language/Study Abroad Requirement (3 to 8 hours)
This requirement can be met in one of two ways:
- By earning world language credit through study abroad (A-S 3300-3310)
- By taking at least one course beyond the 1010 level in any world language (French, German, Spanish or Arabic recommended).
Students are encouraged to pursue study abroad opportunities that expose them to the culture and lifestyles of peoples of African ancestry, preferably in Africa or the Caribbean.
Electives (15 hours minimum)
Students must complete at least 15 credit hours (six at 2000 or below, nine at 3000 or above) from a combination of approved electives in AAAS or in other departments. An AAAS advisor must approve elective courses. Contact an advisor for approved electives.
African Studies Option (36 hours)
See the catalog for course descriptions and prerequisites.
Core Requirements (13 hours)
- AAAS 2000 - Introduction to African American and African Studies, Credits: 3 hours
- AAAS 3000 - African and African American History, Culture and Experience to 1865, Credits: 3 hours
- AAAS 3010 - African American History, Culture and Experience from 1866 to the Present, Credits: 3 hours
- HIST 3880 - Introduction to African Civilization, Credits: 3 hours (Highly recommended)
World Language/Study Abroad (3 to 8 hours)
This requirement can be met in one of two ways
- By earning world language credit through study abroad (A-S 3300-3310).
- By taking at least one course beyond the 1010 level in any world language (French, German, Spanish or Arabic recommended).
Students are encouraged to pursue study abroad opportunities that expose them to the culture and lifestyles of peoples of African ancestry, preferably in Africa or the Caribbean.
Electives (15 hours minimum)
Students must complete at least 15 credit hours (six at the 2000 level or below; nine at the 3000 level or above) from a combination of courses in AAAS or other departments at WMU. An AAAS advisor must approve electives. See advisor for the list of electives.