Black Studies (Minor)

Program Overview

La Salle's Black Studies minor offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the history and experiences of Black people in the Americas. Through courses in Black Studies, Public Health, and Social Justice, students gain a deep understanding of systemic racism, social justice, and the cultural contributions of Black individuals. The program empowers students to address inequality, foster critical thinking, and become advocates for change in their chosen careers.

Program Outline

Outline:

Description:

• La Salle’s Black Studies minor utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to educate students about the history and experiences of Black people.
• Focus is placed on the Black diaspora within the Americas with emphasis on Black agency and anti-racist frameworks and scholarship.
• Students explore significant issues including systemic racism, social justice, health and wellness, education, intersectionality, and cultural contributions related to Black individuals within the Americas.

Structure:

• Minor program
• 4-year duration
• On-campus program

Modules:

• BLKS 111: Introduction to Black Studies
• Focus: Histories and experiences of people of African descent in the Americas
• Key elements: Debates, figures, contributions, and concepts surrounding historical, political, social, artistic, literary, and cultural development of Black life.
• Topics covered:
• Migration and urbanization
• Uprisings by enslaved people
• 20th Century Civil Rights Movements
• Systemic racism
• Intersectionality in education, healthcare, and criminal justice systems
• PHLT 489: Race, Ethnicity, and Public Health
• Understanding the influence of race and ethnicity on health
• Exploring biological and social constructs of race
• Defining and describing racial and ethnic health inequities
• Analyzing mechanisms behind inequities
• Critical analysis of health research
• Exploring theoretical frameworks
• Examining approaches to eliminate disparities
• REL 353: Social Justice and Community Organizing
• Integrating community service and justice from a theological perspective
• Cultivating an appreciation and commitment to the disadvantaged and their fight for justice
• Examining social, political, spiritual, and economic causes of injustice
• Analyzing how service impacts social justice causes

Teaching:

• Faculty: Luisa Ossa, Ph.D. - Professor of Spanish and Director of the Black Studies Minor
• Approach: Interdisciplinary
• Emphasis on agency and anti-racist frameworks
• Focus on critical analysis and systemic issues
• Use of case studies and real-world examples
• Opportunities for community engagement and social justice projects

Careers:

• Complements any major
• Equips students to address systemic racism and social inequality
• Fosters critical thinking and analytical skills
• Prepares graduates to be effective advocates for change within their chosen career path

Other:

• The Black Studies program aims to empower students to understand and engage with complex historical and contemporary issues facing the Black community.
• It seeks to cultivate individuals who will actively work towards dismantling racism and fostering a more just and equitable society.