The Social Justice Studies-African American Studies is an academic program composed of courses that critically explore, through interdisciplinary means, the past and present experiences of African American minority groups in the United States. African American Studies program supports students in developing a critical consciousness and an understanding of social, political, cultural, and economic forces that have shaped the histories and current day realities of African Americans. The curriculum is grounded in the principles of social justice and self-determination of oppressed communities. This program centralizes the knowledge, epistemologies and critical thinking produced by racially and sexually oppressed subjects, and we endeavor to examine the entangled intersectionality of racialized sexuality, gender, and class in complex socio-historical processes.  African American Studies students have followed many career paths that include:  Education, Law, Social Work, Immigrant Rights, Administration of Justice, Civil Rights, Politics, Government, Community and Housing Development, Community Organizing and more.

To be awarded the Associate in Arts in Social Justice - African American Studies for Transfer degree, students must:

(1) Complete 60 semester units or 90 quarter units which are eligible for transfer to the California State University (CSU) system, including both of the following:

     (A) The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)

     (B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by  the community college district.

(2) Obtain a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors may require a higher GPA.  Please consult with a counselor for more information.

Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs) also require that students earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.  A “P” (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Critically analyze the socio-historical origins, processes, and consequences of dominance and subordination in regards to African Americans.
• Compare and assess the socio-historical evolution of African Americans in the United States and test the validity of various integration theories.
• Assess the racial history of the United States using relevant sociological terminology.

Major Requirements

Total Requirements

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Some GE courses may be double-counted within the major and will reduce the number of units. General electives may be needed to reach 60 units. Please consult with a counselor to determine which courses are applicable.