African American Studies Department

African American Studies (formerly Black Studies) at Oberlin is now nearly three decades old. Courses in the field were first offered on campus in the late 1960's, in response to student demands for a more socially relevant education. Since then, through the persistent labor of faculty and students, the program has evolved into one of the best known undergraduate departments of its kind in the United States, offering a major or minor.

African American Studies is also recognized as one of the most dynamic departments at Oberlin College. Students from all disciplines take full advantage of courses which offer the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the world of African descended peoples. Thus, our courses are among the most popular in the college. African American Studies is neither conceived nor conducted as a narrowly focused, separate enclave for "blacks only." Rather, the discipline is recognized as a valuable under-taking for all members of the Oberlin community, regardless of race, nationality or ethnic background. While our focus is on the Black experience, our pluralistic approach is consistent with the department's philosophy, to provide our students with a fuller appreciation of all cultures. All courses may be counted to fulfill the cultural diversity requirement enacted some time ago by the college faculty. As an interdisciplinary department, we offer a rich and lively variety of courses in the arts, humanities and social sciences which explore Black life throughout the African Diaspora.

Students enrolled in the program are encouraged to explore key aspects of Black life in Africa, the Caribbean and the United States, Europe and the Americas, with the aim of developing a firm intellectual understanding of the African American experience.

The Department is aided in its efforts by the Afrikan Heritage House, which serves as the College's black communal and cultural center.

Curriculum Overview

The African American Studies curriculum offers extensive study of the Black experience in a diasporic setting, including but not limited to, Africa, North America, and the Caribbean. These offerings are arranged in three categories: introductory, intermediate, and advanced. All introductory courses are open without prerequisite, except as indicated in the course description. African American Studies 101 and other beginning courses may serve as prerequisites to all intermediate and advanced courses.