African and African American Studies Minor
The critical scholarly inquiry, mentored research, outward-facing programming, communication skills, global perspective, and commitment to justice long associated with African and African American Studies both draws on and enriches (often through deeply engaged criticism) the best of the liberal arts tradition.
The African and African American Studies minor is an interdisciplinary course of study drawing on disciplines from the Humanities and Social Sciences. Students focus on issues concerning (but not limited to) the origins of humankind; histories of race, slavery and empire; studies of African and African American culture, religion and philosophy; and race, anti-blackness and racialization. Race as a general social-cultural category informs and influences the dynamics of our social world. From national politics and foreign policy, to economic developments, to community sustainability and environmental issues, to cultural clashes and claims and more, race and its implications are critically important. Consequently, formal attention to studying race and racialization holds tremendous value. Grasping the history and various dynamics of race/racialization as well as how they operate in the present enhances a Rice education, and helps to prepare students across a broad range of fields, interests, commitments and professions.
Goal of the Minor
The African and African American Studies minor provides students with resources and opportunity to think about key issues and themes within African and African American Studies in ways that enrich their overall education. The minor also provides key competencies that will enhance students' subsequent professional and community life. Upon completion of the minor, students will be able to:
- Understand and appreciate the complexity of African and African American history and culture;
- Compare and contrast the experiences of African peoples in different regions of the continent;
- Understand the role of Africa and African peoples in the diaspora in global histories and networks;
- Understand and employ key concepts and frameworks utilized in African and African American Studies.
Requirements for the Minor
- Students must take at least six courses (18 credit hours);
- Students must take the interdisciplinary core course (AAAS 200);
- At least three courses must be at the 300 level or higher;
- Students must take at least one List A and one List B course;
- Students must complete elective courses from at least three different subject codes, reflecting coursework taken from both the School of Humanities and the School of Social Sciences;
- No more than two courses (6 credit hours) can apply from transfer credits.
Courses
For information about courses, consult our Director of Undergraduate Studies or visit our page in the General Announcements, Rice University's official catalog of courses, degrees, policies and curricular requirements.