Liberal Arts - African American Studies A.A. Degree
African-American Studies at Middlesex explores the history, art, and culture of Americans of African descent. Students in this program investigate the complex social structures and cultural traditions that Africans in the Diaspora created. Throughout the program students develop critical analysis and communication skills vital for future success in a baccalaureate program or employment. The broad liberal arts perspective of African American Studies prepares students for careers in education, journalism, law, politics, psychology, city planning, archivist/curator, international relations, publishing, or social work.
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Articulate their place in human culture and the global society from a multi-disciplinary perspective acquired through the study of the social sciences, humanities, history, natural sciences, mathematics, arts, and languages.
- Compare the history and cultures of African Americans with the history and cultures of global African diasporic communities.
- Appraise the African developments of the African American experience in the Americas.
- Gather, analyze, and synthesize relevant information from various sources and contexts and apply it to issues related to the African diaspora in writing using proper citation.
Semester I
Short Title : English Composition I
Course Code : ENG-121
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
Prerequisites :
A passing score on the College Placement Test; or a grade of "C" or better in ENG-010 and RDG-011 (RDG-011 can be a co-requisite; or a grade of "C" or better in ESL-097 and ESL-098.
Co requisites :
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Introduction to African-American Studies
Course Code : AFS-121
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
Introduction to the foundations and approaches of African-American studies. Examines historical, sociological, psychological, religious and philosophical perspectives of the African-American experience.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Statistics I
Course Code : MAT-123
Department Description : Mathematics
Course Description :
Familiarizes students with mathematical models that occur in more advanced courses and in the areas of business, science and the social sciences using exploratory data analysis and statistical methods. Topics include descriptive statistics linear regression, probability and probability distribution, confidence intervals, and an introduction to hypothesis testing.
Prerequisites :
MAT-013 or appropriate score on the College placement test
Co requisites :
MAT-090
Corequiste Exemption: Proficiency at the Level of Algebra II
- Credit : 3
Short Title : History Elective
Course Code : HIS-EL2
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
Short Title : Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Course Code : SPE-121
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : Introduction to the theory and practice of public address; the study of representative public addresses and the preparation and delivery of short speeches.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
OR
Short Title : Discussion and Debate
Course Code : SPE-123
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : The development of clear, logical and effective speech communication is the goal of this basic discussion and debate course. The focus will be on reasoned decision making with the context of a free society. Topics will draw upon social values, personal responsibility and/or ethical behavior. Speech presentations will include large group discussions, panel discussions and debates that emphasize the ability to work in a team environment.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Semester 2
Short Title : English Composition II
Course Code : ENG-122
Department Description : English
Course Description : Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
Prerequisites :
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : History Elective
Course Code : HIS-EL2
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
Short Title : GE Mathematics or Science Elective
Course Code : GE MathSci
Department Description : General Education
- Credit : 3
Choose one 3-credit Mathematics or Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST). Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Mathematics or Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.
Short Title : Introduction to African Civilizations
Course Code : AFS-123
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
The historical development of African civilizations from earliest times to the present. Focuses on the cultural, political, social and economic factors which shaped Africa and its people.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : GE Social Science Elective
Course Code : GE SS
Department Description : GE Social Science Elective
- Credit : 3
Take one of the following GE Sociology Courses - SOC-121, SOC-122, SOC-123 or SOC-131.
Semester 3
Short Title : History Elective
Course Code : HIS-EL2
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Short Title : GE - Language Elective
Course Code : LAN-EL1
Department Description : ESL/Languages and Culture
- Credit : 3
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Short Title : GE Humanities Elective
Course Code : HUM-EL2
Department Description : Humanities
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Recommended Course - ENG-227 - Literature of Black America
Short Title : African American History
Course Code : AFS-231
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
This course surveys the history of the African Americans in the United States from African origin to the present. Special attention will be given to the social, political, economic experiences and events that have helped shape the African-American community.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : GE Laboratory Science Elective
Course Code : Laboratory Science
Department Description : Laboratory Science
- Credit : 4
Choose a one 3-credit GE Laboratory Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST). Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Lab Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.
Semester 4
Short Title : GE - Language Elective
Course Code : LAN-EL1
Department Description : ESL/Languages and Culture
- Credit : 3
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Short Title : Psychology of the African-American Experience
Course Code : PSY-163
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description : Exploration of Black Psychology - its principles, theories and assessment techniques in relation to the personality and behavioral development of African-Americans.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : GE Social Science Elective
Course Code : GE SS
Department Description : GE Social Science Elective
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Short Title : GE Technology Elective
Course Code : GE-MST
Department Description : General Education
- Credit : 3
Short Title : GE Diversity Elective
Course Code : DVR-EL1
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Diversity (GE DIV).
Recommended Courses - HED-150 or HED-200
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
- Articulate their place in human culture and the global society from a multidisciplinary perspective acquired through the study of the social sciences, humanities, history, natural sciences, mathematics, arts, and languages.
- Compare the history and cultures of African Americans with the history and cultures of global African diasporic communities.
- Appraise the African developments of the African American experience in the Americas.
- Gather, analyze, and synthesize relevant information from various sources and contexts and apply it to issues related to the African diaspora in writing using proper citation.
Contact Information
Contact Name: Timothy Hack, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2590
Contact Email: HSS@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/history-social-science/
Frequently Asked Questions
Why study the Liberal Arts?
A Liberal Arts education is a broad-based program of study that exposes students to the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology. The study of the Liberal Arts empowers students for success in transfer and a career in the diverse, ever-changing 21st century workplace. A Liberal Arts education equips students with invaluable employability skills including the ability to analyze and construct arguments, think critically, communicate effectively, and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives. The cross-cultural knowledge, problem solving, and research and information literacy skills prepare students for civic engagement, life-long learning, and professional success.
Are there any requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Competency in Algebra I may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or by completion of the appropriate course. Students must also have a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school laboratory science.
How long will it take to complete this degree?
Once students complete required developmental coursework (if any), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students may shorten the amount of degree completion time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.
Transfer Information
Our students transfer to 4-year colleges and universities around the globe. We’ve had students transfer to every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements are being worked out with institutions granting baccalaureate degrees to facilitate the transfer process. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Are you interested in transferring to a school in New Jersey? You can use the tools at NJTransfer.org to see which of your MCC courses will transfer to a specific college.