Program Overview
The Black Studies program at the University of Nebraska Omaha offers a Bachelor of Science degree that equips students with a comprehensive understanding of African people's histories, cultures, and global experiences. Through theoretical and methodological tools, students develop critical thinking skills, analyze complex issues, and become engaged global citizens. The program comprises core courses in African civilizations, Black American history, and Africana thought, complemented by upper-division electives and a community-based activity.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Black Studies, Bachelor of Science program at the University of Nebraska Omaha aims to equip students with a critical understanding of the complex histories, societies, and cultures of African people worldwide. The program emphasizes the use of theoretical and methodological tools derived from the collective Black experience to address global issues.
Degree Student Learning Objectives:
- Comprehension and Communication: Students will demonstrate their understanding of disciplinary materials through reading and oral communication, showcasing knowledge of Africana civilizations, political, economic, and social movements, its global diaspora, and the impact of enslavement and colonization.
- Synthesis and Application: Students will synthesize and apply theories, methodological tools, and research within the discipline to formulate research questions, collect, analyze, and interpret data, and present cohesive arguments related to Africana peoples and phenomena.
- Global Citizenship: Students will demonstrate their role as global citizens by applying their knowledge to benefit the larger community.
Outline:
Program Structure:
- Total Hours: 120 credit hours
- University General Education Courses: 46 hours
- College Breadth Requirement: 12-19 hours
- Major Courses: 48 hours
- Electives: 7-14 hours
Major Requirements:
- Black Studies Coursework: 33 hours
Course List:
- Core Curriculum:
- BLST/HIST 1050 CLASSICAL AFRICAN CIVILIZATIONS (3 credits)
- BLST 1000 INTRODUCTION TO BLACK STUDIES (3 credits)
- BLST 2100 BLACK AMERICAN CULTURE (3 credits)
- BLST 2410 AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY I: 1619-1865 (3 credits)
- Total Credits: 15
- Upper Division Courses: 18 hours (selected from 3000 and 4000 level courses)
- BLST 3980 and BLST 4900 may be selected twice.
Plan of Study Grid:
The program provides a suggested four-year plan of study, outlining courses to be taken each semester. This plan is subject to change based on course availability and student needs.
Assessment:
- Major Departmental Project: Each major must select one paper from their 3000 or 4000 level courses as their major departmental project.
- Community-Based Activity: Each major must complete at least one community-based activity, such as study abroad, service learning, or an internship.
Other:
- Writing in the Discipline Requirement: All students must take a writing in the discipline course within their major. For Black Studies majors, this is BLST 3700 or another approved course.
- Alternative Grading Policies: All coursework taken for the Black Studies major must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better.
- Upper Division Course Contingency: If insufficient upper division courses are available, the department chair may accept alternative departmental courses, external courses related to the major, or external experiences like internships, study abroad, and community engagement.
- University Degree Requirements: The minimum number of hours for a UNO undergraduate degree is 120 credit hours.
- Placement Exams: Placement exams may be required for Math, English, and Foreign Language.
- Transfer Credit: Transfer credit or placement exam scores may change the suggested plan of study.
