Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with an African American Studies (AFAM) Minor?

At WKU, with a minor in African American Studies there is a world of possibilities! African American Studies offers students a unique approach to all the major disciplines.

Should I minor in African American Studies only if I want to go to graduate school in AFAM?

Nothing could be further from the truth. Regardless of your post-graduate plans, an African American Studies Minor tells admission officers that you are a serious student who has some interdisciplinary training and the critical interpersonal skills needed to succeed.

I’m a Journalism, Business, Education, Engineering, or Science major, how can AFAM Studies help?

AFAM seeks to prepare students for further study in many different majors as well as prepare them for employment in such areas as social agencies, government, teaching, business, and the arts. Some have become college professors, lawyers, business executives, and public school teachers.

Also, the AFAM Studies curriculum can enhance your critical analysis and interpersonal communication skills, while the interdisciplinary approaches emphasized in AFAM Studies is good training regardless of one’s future plans.

Finally as we explore the seven core areas of AFAM history, politics, economics, psychology, social organizations, religion, and creative productions, a Minor in AFAM would lead to greater cultural awareness, while diversifying your learning experience and perspective

I want to teach, how can African American Studies help me?

In today’s global society, classrooms are as diverse as ever. One’s cultural literacy would be enhanced by pursuing an AFAM minor, which will in turn help one understand the variety of cultural perspectives they could encounter in the classroom.

How many credit hours are required for obtaining an AFAM minor?

Twenty One credit hours are required.

What concentrations are available?

Currently the African American Studies Program concentrates on the experiences of African Americans; however, in the near future, we will begin addressing the experiences of people of African descent on the Continent and throughout the Diaspora.

What are the Core Courses for African American Studies?

Per the 2008-2010 WKU Catalog there are four required courses (totaling 12 hours) which include AFAM 190: African American Experience; AFAM 358 or 359: Blacks in American History to 1877/Since 1877; AFAM 377: African American Folklife; & AFAM 393: African American Literature, with an additional 9 hours of AFAM Electives are available and the complete listing can be found here.

What are the Gen Ed requirements?

Today, a course in AFAM satisfies the Diversity/World Cultures General Education requirement here at WKU.

What else does AFAM offer?

AFAM offers service and experiential learning opportunities, community engagement, seminars, forums, field trips, and campus wide film and topic discussions. Also summer 2010, we will Study Abroad in GHANA.

 Are there any special requirements for becoming an AFAM Minor?

Once admitted to WKU, you may declare AFAM as your minor.

How are students paired with faculty?

Currently, the Program is expanding its collaborations with faculty from across the WKU campus. We are confident that with the range of Faculty interests we can insure that someone is suited to work with your interests.

Current Faculty include the following:

Dr. Saundra Ardrey, Program Director

Dr. Andrew Rosa, Associate Professor

Dr. Cheryl Hopson, Assistant Professor

Martha Sales, Asst. Program Director and Director of WKU's Talent Search

Dr. V. Lynne Holland, Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Housing and Residence Life

Dr. Lou-Ann Crouther—English

Dr. John Hardin—History

Dr. Monique Moultrie- Philosophy and Religious Studies

Dr. Bella Mukonyora- Philosophy and Religious Studies

Dr. Johnston Njoku—Folk Studies

Dr. Anne B. Onyekwueluje—Sociology