2010-2011 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
African/African American Studies - Program Description
For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Interdisciplinary Studies section in this catalog.
Director: Mangala; Professors: Cole, Tripp; Associate Professors: Alvarez, Buckridge, Corr, Joseph, McLeod, Stewart, Tucker; Assistant Professors: Green-Smith, McClure, Moore, Tunstall, Yidana.
Website: www.gvsu.edu/aaas
In keeping with Grand Valley State Universitys liberal education commitment, the African and African American Studies Program administers an interdisciplinary minor whose goal is to academically prepare students to a better understanding of the variety and complexity of Africa, a deep appreciation of the African American experience and, more generally, an enriching knowledge of the various historical trajectories and contributions of the global African diaspora.
A minor in Africa and African American Studies is an ideal complement to many disciplinary majors. Two tracks or areas of emphasis are possible, allowing students to tailor the minor to their own interests and needs. Students can choose to minor either in track I (Africa) or in track II (African American).
Students minoring in African and African American Studies are encouraged to take full advantage of excellent study abroad opportunities available through GVSU partner institutions or COUNCIL programs. For more information, please consult the Padnos International Center or the program director. African and African American studies, being a socially engaged discipline, is committed to foster the value of social and civic engagement.
Career Opportunities
By providing a multidisciplinary and rigorous intellectual grounding both in an important world region (Africa) and a major US ethnic group (African Americans), the minor represents an excellent academic and personal investment for students who intend to pursue career opportunities in a broad range of fields (sociology, anthropology, geography, political science, international relations, history, psychology, modern languages, business, social work, public and nonprofit administration, nursing, hospitality and tourism, education, health sciences, communications and criminal justice among others) as well as those who intend to go on to graduate school.
Student Organizations
Students are encouraged to participate in African, African American and international student organizations on campus and to engage the larger community. West Michigan is home to a sizeable African American community as well as a growing number of new African immigrants. For information on community organizations, please consult the program director or visit www.gvsu.edu/stuey/.