Black Studies 12 (BS12), which focuses on debate, argumentation and the skills of questioning and rhetoric, and Black Studies 64, which incorporates various kinds of research into black studies, have both been added to the course selection in the past year. "BS 12, taught by [Assistant Professor of Black Studies and American Studies Jeffrey Ferguson], really challenged me and developed my skills as a writer and debater," said Stephanie Sneed '08, a black studies major. The course teaches students to look at the history of black studies as a series of critical debates.
Ferguson, who recently received tenure, created two of the three core courses in the department-Black Studies 11 (BS11) and BS12. "The core has made the major more attractive. The fundamental studies of black studies have gotten a lot of students interested. The number of majors has increased from three to 17 students in the past year. That has a lot to do with recent changes," said Ferguson. "Black studies has become a major that you want to take at Amherst."
BS11, a course that teaches students how to read actively, remains popular among majors. "BS 11 is central to the major because it sets the pace of what the department expects from its students academically, and it is important to have read the canonical black studies texts and be introduced to major thinkers and ideas in this field," said Ashley Finigan '08, a black studies major.
Sarah Bass '06, also a black studies major, discussed how some recent changes have affected her experience. "They have changed the major requirement from 10 or so class requirements to eight, three of which comprise a very focused and cohesive core-11, 12 and 64. There is also greater continuity among classes in the department. What one hears from a teacher in terms of reading, writing and research expectations, other black studies professors reiterate," said Bass.
Professor of Fine Arts and Black Studies Rowland O. Abiodun, chair of the black studies department, explained how the department's interdisciplinary nature makes it unique compared to black studies programs at other American colleges and universities. "We strengthen black studies through our active engagement with disciplines outside of black studies. We're not closed in, we're looking outward," said Abiodun.
Finigan agreed with Abiodun. "The College's black studies department is so unique because it is so broad in scale. It covers Africa and its entire Diaspora, not just Africa and African Americans, but also African descended peoples throughout the world. This sets our department apart from those of other institutions," said Finigan.
An example of bridging the gap between the College's black studies discipline and other disciplines, includes potentially adding a social scientist to the black studies faculty. Ferguson also explained that another future goal includes increasing communication with the language departments in order to create a larger discussion of global studies, global images while studying the black world and African Diaspora. "Most people who teach race [at Amherst] are affiliated with black studies core," said Ferguson.
Ellen Ferrin '07 emphasized the strengths of the department. "I particularly love the interdisciplinary nature of the department. I have taken courses cross-listed with music, history, sociology and English. Each professor in the department claims a different strength," said Ferrin.
The department discussed making it a common experience for black studies majors to study abroad and go somewhere else to experience other education and teaching. "Majors have become increasingly interested in Africa partly because of study abroad," said Professor of Anthropology Miriam Goheen, who will serve as black studies chair for the 2006-07 academic year. "They go to Africa, come back and see Africa as a culture and how dynamic it is."
Several professors explained that there is a great respect among all members of faculty for students and for each other within the united department. "What I like most about teaching in the [black studies] department is the high level of collegial respect and good will among the faculty in the department and the enthusiasm and camaraderie of the majors," said Professor of Religion and Black Studies David Wills. "Last semester, I taught the department's new research seminar for majors and found it one of the most enjoyable assignments I've had for years."
Abiodun spoke of Ferguson's accomplishments and devotion to an affiliates program. "Professor Ferguson has contributed a lot to the department. He is chief supporter of an affiliates program, which brings colleagues from political science, anthropology, European studies, history and other disciplines to Amherst to contribute to the black studies discipline. Some members of the affiliates program have already participated in the department's junior seminar," he said.
Abiodun and Ferguson explained that the department is currently conducting a search for a new faculty member who will teach a course entitled the black Atlantic. The course will focus on the African Diaspora and will discuss a distinction of identities and political affairs. The new course will complement Assistant Professor of History and Black Studies Hilary Moss' survey course on American history.
Ferguson also discussed other potential new courses. "We want to have specialized courses on Brazil, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. We may have them the year after next. Race and Rhetoric is going to teach students and take them to the next level in becoming self-conscious writers," said Ferguson.
Other areas of expansion include providing students with more opportunities to learn about education and teaching. The department may potentially apply for the President's Initiative Funds for Interdisciplinary Curricular Projects (PIF). Ferguson also discussed bringing in social justice activists to discuss their careers in order to talk with students on how they made career choices. According to Ferguson, the department plans to have more offerings in social science to enhance student interest concerning topics of race and justice.
As the department's future goals continue to expand, student interest concurrently increases. "I think the department continues to grow," said Ferrin. "I have noticed more non-majors in classes as well as more first and second years taking an interest in the department. With the growth, I have seen more excitement and energy."