African American Studies

The African American Studies program, over three decades old, offers both a major and minor with curriculum that, according to the department, "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."

Majors are required to take at least 30 hours of African American Studies, including:

African American Studies 101
A course in African Studies
A course in African American Studies
A course in Caribbean Studies
An additional 9 hours, including the Senior Seminar, in either education, history, literature, politics, or fine arts
A Senior Seminar during the third or fourth year

Minors are required to take at least 15 hours of courses in the department, including:

African American Studies 101
At least one course in four of the following fields: education, politics, history, literature, and/or fine arts
At least one three hour course in African Studies, African American Studies, and Caribbean Studies

The department also offers programs through Afrikan Heritage House.