Black Studies at DePauw

Our Black Studies program is a multidisciplinary study of the collective experience of Africa and the African diaspora.

The faculty members are represent a synthesis of the subject areas involved — history, literature, music, cultural studies, gender studies, political science, and religion. Their diversity of academic backgrounds and perspectives ensures a rich learning environment.

Both a major and minor are offered in Black Studies. The minor is an especially good compliment to majors in anthropology, economics, education, history, religion and sociology.

History of Black Studies

Black Studies first emerged on college campuses in the midst of the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements of the 1960s. Previously relegated to racially segregated, historically black institutions, Black Studies became a central force in reshaping American higher education. Black Studies has produced a substantive body of interdisciplinary and multicultural scholarship that has challenged standard interpretations of history, culture and race. Today Black Studies is experiencing an unprecedented level of success and acceptance. Several of the nation's finest graduate schools, for example, are offering degrees in Black Studies.