Online offering. Considers the following questions: How many people are affected by the criminal justice system? What is the relationship between crime and race? What criminal justice policies, if any, should change? Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Ethical Reasoning, Critical Thinking

The program in African American and African Diaspora Studies is designed to provide students with the critical tools required, and to expose them to the historical knowledge and current research necessary, for an informed understanding of Black experiences today. The program systematically documents critical aspects of Black experiences from its antecedents in antiquity to the prominent issues of the present day. Engaging both past and contemporary aspects of these experiences provides students access to materials and events that have historically not been given adequate treatment, and allows students to contextualize current issues relating to people of African descent in an academically critical way. The program is designed to give students of people of African descent before the beginnings of the enslavement of African peoples up to the present time, as well as effectively prepare students who desire to continue on to graduate work in Black Studies.

The African American and Diaspora Studies (AADS) minor is a valuable academic program that offers students an in-depth exploration of African American history, culture, and experiences, as well as the broader diasporic connections across the African diaspora. Here are some key points about the AADS minor and its significance: Historical and Cultural Understanding: The AADS minor provides students with a deep understanding of the historical experiences of African Americans, including their contributions, struggles, and achievements throughout history. This includes studying topics such as slavery, civil rights movements, cultural expressions, literature, art, music, and social movements within African American communities.

The certificate in African American studies introduces undergraduate students to the interdisciplinary study of African American, African diaspora and African history, society, and culture. Students may choose courses in African American history, literature, black women’s studies, art history, visual culture, music history, and sociology. The certificate offers students opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary study and practice that will complement their major and enhance their intellectual and creative participation in their chosen professions and as citizens in our global society.

Coursework addresses such topics as cultural practices, with reference to literature, history, and film, as well as inequality as it relates to issues of nationality, race, class, and gender. African American Studies provides students with a solid theoretical and research basis to pursue either employment in business and industry or pursue graduate studies. With the African American Studies program, study abroad provides students global engagement that benefits them upon graduation.