Program: Minor in Black Studies - Northern Illinois University

Apr 05, 2025

2007-2008 Undergraduate Catalog

The black studies minor presents a body of knowledge that examines the experiences of black people in the United States. It also explores the African heritage of black people and the continuity of that heritage through the years in the New World. Among other requirements students must analyze racism and its present-day manifestations in all spheres of life in order to promote better understanding among ethnic and racial groups. Several university departments participate in the minor in black studies including anthropology, economics, English, finance, geography, history, political science, and sociology.

Requirements (18)

Three of the following (9)

HIST 270 - The African-American to 1865 Credits: 3
HIST 348 - African History to 1600 Credits: 3
IDSP 200 - Racism in American Culture and Society Credits: 3
(Available for general education credit)
IDSP 219 - Introduction to African Studies Credits: 3
(Available for general education credit)
IDSP 300 - Foundations of Black Studies Credits: 3

One of the following options (6-9)

Students taking only 6 semester hours in an option must choose 3 semester hours from the list of electives.

African Option (6-9)

Two or three of the following (6-9)

ANTH 403 - Peoples and Cultures of Africa South of the Sahara Credits: 3
ECON 341 - Economic Area Studies Credits: 3
C. Africa, South of the Sahara
FLTR 271 - Literature in Translation Credits: 3
GEOG 336 - Geography of Africa Credits: 3
HIST 349 - African History Since 1600 Credits: 3
POLS 368 - Governmental Systems in Africa Credits: 3

African American Option (6-9)

Two or three of the following (6-9)

ECON 302 - Minority Economic Problems Credits: 3
HIST 271 - The African-American Since 1865 Credits: 3
IDSP 202 - Issues Facing African-American Students Credits: 3
IDSP 211 - Educating for Cultural Sensitivity Credits: 3
(Available for general education credit)
IDSP 302 - Topics in Black Studies Credits: 3
IDSP 402 - The Africana Woman Credits: 3
IDSP 445 - Independent Study in Black Studies Credits: 1 to 3
Students must take 3 semester hours in this course
JOUR 490 - Ethnic Minorities and the News Media Credits: 3
POLS 309 - Political Behavior of Racial Minorities in the United States Credits: 3
SOCI 358 - Racial and Ethnic Minority Families Credits: 3
SOCI 361 - Race and Ethnicity Credits: 3

Electives (0-3)

Another approved elective with consent of the Center for Black Studies

HIST 472 - Topics in African-American History Credits: 3
POLS 295 - Critical Issues in American Politics Credits: 3
POLS 326 - Government and Welfare Credits: 3