By virtue of exposure to African American Studies courses,

African American Studies students should know:

• The general history of African American people in the U.S. and the Diaspora
• The significance of the concept of an African world-view and its significance to African American-centered scholarship
• How to conduct social science research and to interpret scientific data
• The basic research questions posed by the various disciplines contributing to a better understanding of the African American experience
• The value of embracing the concept of diversity in the modern and complex world in which we live
• The pathways to graduate schools and professional careers provided to a major or minor in African American Studies
  

African American Studies students should be able to:

• Effectively employ social science methodologies in the analysis of issues related to African Americans
• Demonstrate written and oral competencies in the analysis of theories and practices
• Identify and utilize appropriate primary data, including census and demographic data
• Apply their understanding of social issues to the development and critical analysis of programs and policies that impact residents in rural and urban areas
• Develop a basic knowledge and appreciation of the Black Aesthetic
• Develop an understanding of the forces that negatively impact the Black family and other institutions in the Black community;

African American Studies students should value:

• The contributions of Black people to America and to world civilization
• The importance of diversity in a complex world
• Critical thinking as an important problem solving skill
• Community service and service learning as meaningful activities
• The dignity of all human cultures.