Black Studies (Minor)
Why Black Studies?
Gain an appreciation of the life and culture of people of African descent in the United States, and learn about their contributions to all facets of American, Latin American, and Caribbean history and culture.
Why Study Black Studies at Iona?
Iona is committed to intellectual inquiry, community engagement, and appreciation for diversity – and our Black Studies minor reflects this commitment.
Our interdisciplinary program will enrich and expand your Iona education to a culturally diverse society and world. With an increased focus on diversity and inclusion, this minor will help prepare you with marketable and transferable skills and knowledge.
With our small classes and dedicated faculty, you will have the opportunity to work closely with your instructors and dive deeply into the subject matter. You and a faculty member will develop your individualized curriculum to allow you to pursue the topics that interest you most.
What You'll Learn
You will discover the wide-ranging contributions of people of African descent to the history and culture of the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean.
You will expand your appreciation for diversity, inclusion, and equity as you examine issues of race and identity and difference.
You will study across many subject areas, including History, English, Political Science, Media & Strategic Communications and others, to gain an understanding of the interconnections of Black Studies and other fields.
Unique Features of Program
- Personalized program: Work with a Black Studies faculty adviser to choose the courses, independent studies, research projects, and hands-on experiences that are of special interest to you!
I wanted a class where I could dive into my history and connect with others to focus on various Black movements. This was a great way to gain new information from my peers and the discussions helped me move past the anxiety I experienced on social media.
Claudia Marcelin, '22
Program Highlights
Interdisciplinary Program
You will have the opportunity to learn from a variety of experts in the field of Black Studies. The required course for the minor will be co-taught by faculty from different disciplines and will feature unique guest speakers in order to examine innovative perspectives on the broad cultural influence of black culture on various areas and disciplines.
Hands-on Learning Opportunities
You will have opportunities to participate in exciting hands-on learning experiences, including:
- Internships: Gain valuable real-world experience with local and global organizations that focus on issues of African and African American diaspora.
- Service/Experiential Learning: Work with a community partner organization to put your classroom learning to work in the real world.
- Study Abroad: Join students from the Media & Strategic Communication program for a life-changing Study Abroad trip to Ghana, Africa, in Spring 2021.
Vibrant & Diverse Community
Our campus is home to an active and diverse community and offers plenty of opportunities for student activities related to the Black Studies Community. You can join the student-run Black Student Union, Student Leader Alliance for Multiculturalism, Student Leader Diversity Committee and more!
Find Out what an Iona Education Can Do For You
Visit Campus
Our scenic campuses, located just 20 miles from midtown Manhattan, truly do offer the best of both worlds.
Let us show you around, answer your questions and give you a feel of our tight-knit community.
Apply Today
If you're considering applying to Iona, you're not alone! Since 2019, our new-student enrollment is up nearly 40%. Additionally, 99% of our first-year students receive institutional scholarships or grant aid.
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