Global Black StudiesMinor

Health Sciences students working through an experiential learning exercise.

The Global Black Studies (GBS) Program is a systematic way of studying black people in the world – such as their history, culture, sociology, art, politics, education, and religion. It is a study of black experiences and the effect of societies on them and their effect within societies. This study aims to, among other things, help eradicate many racial stereotypes. Global Black Studies implements history, family structure, social and economic pressures, stereotypes, and gender relationships. The mission of the Global Black Studies Program is to provide a robust and critical program of study, research and service on the Black global experience.

What You'll Learn

Devoted to the exploration and analysis of the history and culture of Black people in North America, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Africa, Global Black Studies defines the Black experience from Black-centered perspectives, illuminates the contributions of Black people to world cultures, and correct a traditional approach to the study of world history that has tended to bypass the African Diaspora experience. Global Black Studies centers the experiences, voices, and research of Black people as a way to challenge dominant narratives. In short, our research and teaching cover pre- and post-colonial Africa and the African Diaspora in its multiple regions.

This area of study is interdisciplinary, which means students can study the experiences of people of African ancestry from many perspectives including literature, culture, history, educational practices, sociological studies, theology and more. Students will also become familiar with Afrocentricity, Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality, Black Feminism, Black Critical Queer Theory, and Black Liberation Theology.

The minor consists of seven courses. Each student will be required to take “Introduction to Black Studies,” “Key Paradigms and Theories in Black Studies” and "Research, Methodologies and Writing in Black Studies" The other 4 courses can come from a range of departments and many of these courses are also liberal studies courses and will count toward liberal studies electives

A minor in Global Black Studies is important to employers throughout the U.S., North Carolina, and the WNC region. A GBS minor helps position students to distinguish themselves for admission into graduate and professional school programs in a myriad of fields and disciplines. In the workforce, students can draw on their coursework and experiences working with people of diverse backgrounds. The minor also gives students a unique skill set to discuss in interviews with prospective employers.