African American Studies Program
The African American Studies program at Austin Peay is an interdisciplinary, comprehensive and enriching academic experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. With a unique approach, the program integrates the performing arts as a lens through which African American history and culture are explored. This includes reading plays, attending art exhibitions, and delving into poetry, providing a holistic and immersive learning experience for students passionate about African American studies.
Our program not only delves into the historical and cultural aspects of African American history but also incorporates experiential elements. African American Studies minors have the opportunity to participate in out-of-town trips, fostering a deeper understanding of the lived experiences and cultural heritage of African Americans. The curriculum is designed to address crucial societal issues by offering courses that explore racism, equity, and social justice. With a total of 18 credit hours, students engage in a diverse range of coursework that culminates in a Senior Capstone project, allowing them to synthesize their knowledge and contribute to the ongoing discourse.
2024-2025 African American Studies Minor Requirements
Course Snapshot
Whether examining historical milestones or contemporary challenges, students in African American Studies programs embark on a transformative journey that contributes to a more nuanced comprehension of the global tapestry of human experiences. Here are just a few courses offered within the minor that help us do just that.
AAST 2200—Introduction to African American Studies
Description: This interdisciplinary course provides an introduction to the African American experience from a cultural, historical, social, political and psychological perspective. The students will gain a foundational understanding of the complexities of African American life, identity and contributions.
AAST 3400—African Americans in Film and Society
Description: This course explores the representations of Black people, communities and experiences in film and television throughout history. The students will critically examine the ways in which cinema and television both reflect and shape societal attitudes, cultural narratives, and contemporary contexts related to Black identity.
AAST 3300 - Introduction to Black Theatre and Performance
Description: This introductory course explores the history of Black theatre within American society and how performance artists, directors and writers helped shape Black identity within the 20th and 21st century. The students will read, discuss and perform works by playwrights such as but not limited to: Lorraine Hansberry, August Wilson, and Ntozake Shange.
For more information about pursuing a minor in African American Studies, please contact:
Ebone Amos, MFA
African American Studies Minor
Harned Hall room 222
(931) 221-6371
amose@apsu.edu
