About
About the Program
Since the fall of 1994, the minor program in Black Studies at Suffolk University has offered an interdisciplinary course of study that includes history, the social sciences and the humanities. The classes that fulfill the requirements of the minor are taught in several departments across the University.
The interdisciplinary nature of Black Studies allows students to combine it with any academic major in a way that supports and enhances their study. The program also has an international orientation and therefore allows for the study of Black history and culture, not only in Africa or the United States, but throughout the African Diaspora in all parts of the world.
It is completely inclusive of the Black experience, which has been a central part of the history of the world and particularly the United States. This program provides an essential element in helping students gain an understanding of themselves in relation to the various communities they are a part of, including neighborhoods, cities, states, nations, and the world.
By aiding students in a quest to gain a foothold within an ever-changing landscape, Black Studies is an important part of the education of all students.
The minor program in Black Studies is also supported by The Collection of African American Literature, and the close relationship of the University with the Museum of Afro American History and the National Park Service African American Historic Site.
Information/Advising
Students wishing to minor in Black Studies should see the director of the Black Studies program and choose an advisor from the Black Studies committee.
Black Studies Committee
Director: Robert A. Bellinger, History
Judy Benson, Program Director, McNair Scholars Program
Teri Fair, Government
Marjorie Salvodon, World Languages and Cultural Studies
Connect to the History Department site.
Minor Requirements
Required Core Component (2 courses, 8 credits)
All students must take:
-
BLKST-100 Introduction to Black Studies I: Survey Of the Discipline
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An interdisciplinary introduction to the basic concepts and literature in the disciplines covered by Black Studies. It includes history, philosophy, psychology and other disciplines, as well as a conceptual framework for the investigation and analysis of Black history and culture.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
BLKST-101 Introduction to Black Studies II Research and Writing
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course will provide an introduction to basic research techniques and methods including library use, identifying resources, project development, documenting sources, and writing research papers.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Social Science
Designated Course Component (3 courses, 12 credits)
No more than two courses may be taken from any one department outside of Black Studies.
-
BLKST-160 Introduction to the Wolof Language
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This seminar will introduce students to Wolof, the dominant language in Senegal, West Africa. Students will learn about Senegalese culture while acquiring the basics of the language and developing beginning conversational skills.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
-
BLKST-169 African American Genealogy
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This seminar will introduce students to resources and techniques in African American genealogy. During the seminar students will explore methods of applying genealogical research to the larger African American and American story by working on an African American genealogy project. Note: This course is identical to HST 169. Normally offered by request.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Humanities & History
-
BLKST-263 Sabar: Music and Dance
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Participants will be introduced to sabar music and dance of Senegal through a study of music, dance, language and history. Each area will be taught by professional practitioners of the sabar tradition to develop a sense of how music and dance are used in both traditional and popular contexts. This course will be directed by Prof. Robert A. Bellinger. Cultural Diversity B
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Social Science
-
BLKST-299 Busing in Boston- Moakley Archives
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This is a research seminar designed to give students the opportunity to explore the rich yet difficult history of busing in Boston, and develop their research skills by using material on Bostons school desegregation in the Moakley archives. Research will be augmented by discussions with local figures who were involved in the events of the era. Class time will be divided between classroom meetings and work in the archives with the documents. Students will be responsible for a final project based on their work in the archives. This course is identical to HST 299. Normally offered by request.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Social Science,Humanities & History
-
HST-299 Busing in Boston: the Moakley Archives
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This is a research seminar designed to give students the opportunity to explore the rich yet difficult history of busing in Boston, and develop their research skills by using the material on Bostons school desegregation in the Moakley archives. This will be augmented by discussions with local figures who were also involved in the events of the era. Class time will be divided between classroom meetings and work in the archives with the documents. Students will be responsible for a final project based on their work in the archives. This course is identical to BLKST 299.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
BLKST-469 African Amer Life-Slave & Free
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This class is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the reconstruction era by working with the microfilm of the Freedmens Bureau papers. To accomplish this there will be a classroom component and an on-site component. In the classroom component, students will be introduced to the reconstruction era and its history. In the on-site component students will work with the microfilmed copies of the Freedmens Bureau papers. Class meetings will be divided between the Suffolk University campus and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) site in Waltham, MA. This course is identical to HST 469. Normally offered as requested.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Social Science
-
HST-469 African Amer Life-Slave & Free
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This class is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the Reconstruction era by working with the microfilm of the Freedmens Bureau papers. To accomplish this there will be a classroom component and an on-site component. In the classroom component, students will be introduced to the Reconstruction era and its history. In the on-site component students will work with the microfilmed copies of the Freedmens Bureau papers. Class meetings will be divided between the Suffolk University campus and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) site in Waltham, MA. This course is identical to BLKST 469.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
BLKST-510 Independent Study in Black Studies
Prerequisites:
An independent study form must be submitted to the CAS Deans Office.
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Independent study in Black Studies
-
ENG-357 African-American Lit I
Prerequisites:
ENG 213, ENG 214, ENG 215, ENG 216, ENG 217, or ENG 218
Credits:
4.00
Description:
African-American writing from the beginning through the present. Normally offered alternate years. Cultural Diversity A
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt A
-
GVT-383 African Politics
Prerequisites:
GVT 110 and GVT 120
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The political development of Africa in colonial and post-colonial periods. Analysis of the evolution of governmental institutions includes economic, social and personal factors; political forces at work in present day Africa. Not open to freshmen. Normally offered alternate years. Cultural Diversity B
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Social Science
-
HST-261 African History to 1800
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course will explore the history of Africa from prehistoric times to the nineteenth century to give students an introduction to African Studies and a sense of Africas place in world history. Topics include: the Nile Valley civilizations, West African empires, the trans-Saharan trade, the slave trade, the spread and impact of Islam. Cultural Diversity B
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
HST-261 African History to 1800
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course will explore the history of Africa from prehistoric times to the nineteenth century to give students an introduction to African Studies and a sense of Africas place in world history. Topics include: the Nile Valley civilizations, West African empires, the trans-Saharan trade, the slave trade, the spread and impact of Islam. Cultural Diversity B
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
HST-262 Modern African History Since 1800
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course will cover the history of Africa from 1800 to the present and enable students to develop an understanding of issues that affect the relationship between modern Africa and the world. Topics include: the African tradition; the impact of Islam and Christianity, abolition of the slave trade, European imperialism and colonialism, African independence movements, African nationalism, Pan Africanism. Cultural Diversity B
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
HST-263 Comparative Race Relations
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Compares and analyzes the history of race and politics in South Africa and the United States from the 17th century to the present. Examines how race as a social and ideological construct influenced and informed political conflicts over land, labor, and social relations in the two countries including slavery, segregation, apartheid, and the struggle to create racial democracies. Cultural Diversity B
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
HST-271 African American History 1619-1860
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course will examine the history of Africans in the United States from their arrival in the colonies to the Civil War and the end of legal slavery. Topics include: the slave trade, the development of the slave system, African-Americans and the Declaration of Independence, and the abolition movement. Cultural Diversity A
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt A,Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
HST-272 African American History From 1860
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course will examine African American history from the end of slavery to the present. Topics include: Emancipation and Reconstruction, Reconstruction and the Constitution, the Exodusters, the Harlem Renaissance, Pan Africanism, the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Power Movement, African-Americans at the turn of the twenty-first century. Cultural Diversity A
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt A,Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
HST-319 The History of Black Music in America
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Black music has been one of the primary cultural factors in the United States. From the African roots to hip hop in the 21st century Black music has served as an expression of African American consciousness, providing commentary on many aspects of black life. This art form provides commentary on many aspects of black life including social and political. It has also been a major force in shaping the culture of the United States as a whole. As such it provides an excellent window for exploring the history of Black America as well as the history of all America. With the use of texts, videos, and recordings this class will examine the music of Black America in the context and communities in which it was created and performed, and also in relationship to the wider world. Cultural Diversity A
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Humanities & History,Cultural Diversity Opt A,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
HST-330 History & Culture of Senegal
Prerequisites:
Requires instructors consent to register
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This class will introduce students to the richness of Senegalese culture and history, from the eleventh century to the modern era. Along with history, students will examine Senegals culture and customs through lectures, readings, music and film. In some years there will be a travel component connected with the class. Cultural Diversity B
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
HST-396 The African Diaspora
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An examination of the dispersion of Africans to the Americas during the era of the slave trade and the establishment of New World communities of Africans and people of mixed descent. Topics include: the Slave Trade, comparative Slave Systems, Religion, Resistance and Revolutionary Movements, Return and Redemption Movements, Pan Africanism, Race and Class. Cultural Diversity A Cultural Diversity B
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Humanities & History,Cultural Diversity Opt A
-
ENG-359 Selected African-American Writers
Prerequisites:
ENG 213, ENG 214, ENG 215, ENG 216, ENG 217, or ENG 218
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course focuses upon the literary contributions of a selected number of major African-American authors. Normally offered every other year.
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt A
Special Topics
Independent studies and research projects are also available through individual departments for students who want to include individual specialized research in the minor.
Study Abroad
Students may complete some of the requirements for the Black Studies minor while doing study abroad. Arrangements for this should be made with the director of the Black Studies program.
Information/Advising
Students wishing to minor in Black Studies should see the director of the Black Studies program and choose an advisor from the Black Studies Committee.
Black Studies Courses
Course descriptions may be updated periodically to reflect changes since the last published catalog.
-
BLKST-100 Introduction to Black Studies I: Survey Of the Discipline
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An interdisciplinary introduction to the basic concepts and literature in the disciplines covered by Black Studies. It includes history, philosophy, psychology and other disciplines, as well as a conceptual framework for the investigation and analysis of Black history and culture.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
BLKST-101 Introduction to Black Studies II Research and Writing
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course will provide an introduction to basic research techniques and methods including library use, identifying resources, project development, documenting sources, and writing research papers.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Social Science
-
BLKST-160 Introduction to the Wolof Language
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This seminar will introduce students to Wolof, the dominant language in Senegal, West Africa. Students will learn about Senegalese culture while acquiring the basics of the language and developing beginning conversational skills.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
-
BLKST-169 African American Genealogy
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This seminar will introduce students to resources and techniques in African American genealogy. During the seminar students will explore methods of applying genealogical research to the larger African American and American story by working on an African American genealogy project. Note: This course is identical to HST 169. Normally offered by request.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Humanities & History
-
BLKST-263 Sabar: Music and Dance
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Participants will be introduced to sabar music and dance of Senegal through a study of music, dance, language and history. Each area will be taught by professional practitioners of the sabar tradition to develop a sense of how music and dance are used in both traditional and popular contexts. This course will be directed by Prof. Robert A. Bellinger. Cultural Diversity B
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Social Science
-
BLKST-299 Busing in Boston- Moakley Archives
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This is a research seminar designed to give students the opportunity to explore the rich yet difficult history of busing in Boston, and develop their research skills by using material on Bostons school desegregation in the Moakley archives. Research will be augmented by discussions with local figures who were involved in the events of the era. Class time will be divided between classroom meetings and work in the archives with the documents. Students will be responsible for a final project based on their work in the archives. This course is identical to HST 299. Normally offered by request.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Social Science,Humanities & History
-
BLKST-469 African Amer Life-Slave & Free
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This class is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the reconstruction era by working with the microfilm of the Freedmens Bureau papers. To accomplish this there will be a classroom component and an on-site component. In the classroom component, students will be introduced to the reconstruction era and its history. In the on-site component students will work with the microfilmed copies of the Freedmens Bureau papers. Class meetings will be divided between the Suffolk University campus and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) site in Waltham, MA. This course is identical to HST 469. Normally offered as requested.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Social Science
-
BLKST-510 Independent Study in Black Studies
Prerequisites:
An independent study form must be submitted to the CAS Deans Office.
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Independent study in Black Studies
Special Projects and Programs
The Géwël Tradition Project
Launched in the summer of 2005 the Géwël Tradition Project has the purpose of researching, documenting and supporting the géwël tradition as it has manifested historically from the 9th century, to how it is being transformed in the present, modern era of the 21st century.
The Senegalese-American Student Teaching Program (Dakar, Senegal)
This program provides students the opportunity to learn about and experience teaching, while sharing knowledge and skills from their major field of study in an international, educational environment.
Study Abroad
In the context of increasing globalization, study abroad has become more integral to the education of undergraduate students. This is also true for the field of Black Studies, which by definition is international/global. The minor program in Black Studies at Suffolk University encourages students to pursue study abroad opportunities and is willing to work with any of the programs that Black Studies minors choose. However, though there are a wide variety of programs in existence, not all of them are apropos for Black Studies. Therefore, the Black Studies program has developed, and will develop programs that are designed to enhance and augment a student’s study and research in the field of Black Studies.
Students may complete some of the requirements for the Black Studies minor while doing study abroad, or through current classes that have an international component. Interested students should contact the Director of the Black Studies Program.
Affiliations
Collection of African American Literature
Created by Suffolk University, the Museum of African American History and the National Park Service’s Boston African American Historic Site, the collection in the Mildred F. Sawyer Library contains more than 6,000 volumes representing 1,200 African American authors.
Museum of African American History
Dedicated to preserving, conserving and accurately interpreting the contributions of African Americans in New England from the colonial period through the 19th century.
Boston African American Historic Site, National Park Service
A landmark of roughly two dozen sites on Beacon Hill—the largest area of pre-Civil War black-owned structures in the U.S.
Afriterra Foundation
A non-profit Cartographic Library and Archive, assembles and preserves the original rare maps of Africa in a definitive place for education and interpretation.
Géwël Tradition Project
Researches, documents and supports the Senegalese géwël (griot) tradition as it has manifested historically from the 19th century, to how it is being transformed in the present, modern era of the 21st century.
Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society
New England Chapter, preserves African-ancestored family history, genealogy, and cultural diversity by teaching research techniques and disseminating information.
Contact Us
Contact Us
Program Director
Robert A. Bellinger, PhD
Associate Professor
Phone: 617.573.8121
Fax: 617.723.7255
Email: rbellinger@suffolk.edu
Office: 73 Tremont St., Rm. 1044
History Department
Susan Keefe
Office Manager
Email: skeefe@suffolk.edu
Cynthia Martin
Department Assistant
Email: cmartin@suffolk.edu
Phone: 617.573.8116
Fax: 617.723.7255
Location: 73 Tremont Street, 10th Floor, Boston, MA 02108
