The African American and African Studies (AAST) program offers the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. The program is designed to give students an essential core of basic knowledge and analytical skills, while providing an opportunity to specialize in one of two emphasis areas: African American Studies or African Studies.
Program Highlights
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The program introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of people of African descent in the United States and the African Diaspora
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The interdisciplinary approach, a key aspect of the program, helps to overcome limitations inherent as a result of investigating a people or group from a single disciplinary perspective
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The discipline develops students' critical thinking and analytical skills and produces well-rounded individuals prepared to enter the workforce or pursue study in a wide variety of fields at the graduate level and in professional schools (e.g., law, medicine, social work)
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The program produces individuals who can function effectively in the new millennium with special knowledge of the multifaceted and complex historical and contemporary issues that have shaped the racial parameters of the nation and the world
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Upon completion of the degree, students will have a well-rounded background in the liberal arts, strong communications skills (written and oral), and analytic and methodological skills that have prepared them for graduate study and make them an asset to a range of enterprises in the public and private, for-profit and not-for-profit sectors
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Law Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in law. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Social and Human Service Assistants
Assist in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Lawyers
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
Social and Community Service Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Requirements
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
Featured Courses
An interdisciplinary examination of the African American experience in America. The course examines the historical and contemporary conditions of African American people. It also explores the various modes of artistic expression, values and philosophical underpinnings of African American culture.
This course is designed to introduce students to the historical and contemporary experiences of ?Blackness? as it has been constructed, contested and affirmed in various historical, political and narrative contexts. Embracing the theme of duality, the course examines what it means for a culture and people to be both integral to and excluded from the American political and social community. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C and a General Education human behavior course.
This course examines Africana philosophical and theoretical thought as it pertains to issues of race, labor and production. Through an examination of the social and economic legacy of slavery and colonialism, this course investigates how systems of exploitation have influenced the underdevelopment of Africa, the Caribbean and North America in its contribution to Western Capitalism. Prerequisites: General Education human behavior course.
Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
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Contact
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