African American Studies majors

<p>I was wondering what kind of career does an African American Studies major have? What kind of companies do you work for? And what are some good schools for this major. I was thinking of applying to Southern Methodist University or University of Texas-Austin, what is the best school for this major?</p>

<p>Best schools for Af-Am studies (in my opinion):
Princeton and Vassar</p>

<p>But any very strong liberal arts college would be worth looking into, and don't discount HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities), especially Spelman and Howard.</p>

<p>Af-Am studies courses do not necessarily prepare you for any particular career, but many Af-Am studies majors plan to go to grad school (law school or PhD programs in the humanities). Others seek employment in diversity or human services offices in major corporations, some look for work in museums or cultural centers, some seek positions writing or working for advertising or other media (film, radio, magazines).</p>

<p>The possibilities are really limited only by what a student chooses to do with her life. </p>

<p>(I teach a couple of Af-Am studies courses at a university in the midwest.)</p>

<p>Well said Professor X. Some large state universities have credible AAS programs also. Some big state schools in the south have excellent history departments that include AAS work (and constitutional history), not surprisingly.</p>

<p>illmaticgurl, just make sure that you have a strong foundation in writing courses and some literature, and sound research skills that history studies can provide. Don't forget about Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy courses, with perhaps a religion class or two thrown in.</p>

<p>thank you both for replying, I'll look into these schools. I would imagine that an ivy league school like Princeton would have the best program, I'm not quite to an ivy league level. I think I may very well look into Howard. Thanks again.</p>

<p>Also keep in mind U of Texas-Arlington. Although UTA has no AAS major or minor, I counted no less than 10 history courses that would suit your needs for a major in History with a concentration in AAS. UTA also has the Philosophy, Economics and Public Affairs classes you should take, in my opinion. For example...</p>

<p>Critical Thinking
Contemporary Moral Problems
Ethics
Philosophy of Law
Introduction to Urban Life
Economics of Social Issues
Diversity of Organizations</p>

<p>Moreover, don't register for African-American literature classes only. The Great Books of western literature [Plato, Homer, Virgil, The Bible, St. Augustine, The Greek Tragedies, Goethe etc.] can add valuable perspective to African-American literature and writings like Clotel, The Autobiography of Frederick Douglas, David Walker's Appeal, The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, and the various works of Zora Neal Hurston, W.E.B. DuBois and Richard Wright.</p>

<p>Finally, take a look at Richard Stockton College, a public LAC in New Jersey not far from Atlantic City. RSC's AAS minor has an extensive list of courses. South NJ has a little known and interesting place in Black history. A 19th Century all-black town was situtated there and NJ was a major stop on the underground railroad. Also, Philadelphia's Afro-American museum is less than a 1-hour drive or train ride away from the RSC campus.</p>

<p>I'm extatic to hear this, Lake Washington, UTA is the closest University to me, so I'll definately do a lot of researching in that. I'll also take a look at Richard Stockton College, sounds very interesting. Thank U so much!</p>

<p>ecstatic...</p>

<p>lmao! ecstatic, well excuse me!</p>

<p>Today's New Jersey Star-Ledger newspaper has a small article on the immenent (spelling?) demolition of a plantation house and slave cabin, the only and oldest such structure remaining in New Jersey. It's in South Brunswick.</p>

<p>*imminent...</p>