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Liberal Arts - African-American Studies

Program Codes: LAAFA.AA
Associate in Arts Degree

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African-American Studies at Middlesex explores the history, art, and culture of African Americans. Students in the program investigate the innovative and complex social structures and cultural traditions that Africans in the Diaspora created. As they work, they develop the critical and analytic research skills vital for success in undergraduate, graduate and professional studies.

The broad liberal arts perspective of African American Studies prepares students for careers in education, journalism, law, business management, city planning, international relations, politics, psychology, publishing, or social work.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Program will be able to:

  • Articulate their place in human culture and the global society from a multidisciplinary perspective acquired through the study of the social sciences, humanities, history, natural sciences, mathematics, arts, and languages.
  • Compare the history and cultures of African Americans with the history and cultures of global African diasporic communities.
  • Appraise the African developments of the African American experience in the Americas.
  • Gather, analyze, and synthesize relevant information from various sources and contexts and apply it to issues related to the African diaspora in writing using proper citation.
Contact the Department Chairperson

Recommended Course Sequence

Below are required courses and recommended course groupings and sequences for program completion.  Courses may have prerequisite or corequisite requirements.  Check course descriptions for details.

Semester I

3

Select one of the following History sequences:

HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222

OR

Semester 2

3

Select one of the following History sequences:

HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222

3

Choose one 3-credit Mathematics or Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).  Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Mathematics or Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.

3

Take one of the following GE Sociology Courses - SOC-121, SOC-122, SOC-123 or SOC-131.

Semester 3

3

Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).

3

Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).

Recommended Course - ENG-227 - Literature of Black America

3

Choose a one 3-credit GE Laboratory Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).  Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Lab Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.

Semester 4

3

Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).

3

Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).

3

Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Diversity (GE DIV).

Recommended Courses - HED-150 or HED-200

Total Credits 60

Contact Information

History and Social Sciences

Contact Name: Timothy Hack, department chair 
Contact Phone: 732.906.2590
Contact Email: HSS@middlesexcc.edu 
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/history-social-science/


Frequently Asked Questions

Why study the Liberal Arts?

A Liberal Arts education is a broad-based program of study that exposes students to the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology.  The study of the Liberal Arts empowers students for success in transfer and a career in the diverse, ever-changing 21st century workplace.  A Liberal Arts education equips students with invaluable employability skills including the ability to analyze and construct arguments, think critically, communicate effectively, and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives.  The cross-cultural knowledge, problem solving, and research and information literacy skills prepare students for civic engagement, life-long learning, and professional success. 

Are there any requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?

Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Competency in Algebra I may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or by completion of the appropriate course. Students must also have a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school laboratory science.

How long will it take to complete this degree?

Once students complete required developmental coursework (if any), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students may shorten the amount of degree completion time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.

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