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    Culture & Society pathway

    Culture & Society

    African American Studies

    African American History

    The African American Studies program prepares students with the comprehensive knowledge base, critical skills and social consciousness necessary to function as effective leaders in an increasingly globalized and diverse society.

    Link To Courses

    Department Overview

    Our program is rooted in the decolonization and liberation movements of African Americans and their allies from the 1960s to the present, addressing evolving conditions. African American Studies aims to foster critical consciousness and understanding of the social, political, cultural, and economic forces shaping African American histories and current realities. Grounded in social justice and self-determination, we focus on the knowledge and critical thinking of racially and sexually oppressed subjects, examining the intersections of race, sexuality, gender, and class in complex socio-historical contexts.

    Career Opportunities

    A degree in African American Studies can open doors to a variety of career opportunities, including:

    • Education and Academia:

      • Professor or Lecturer
      • Academic Researcher
      • High School Teacher

    • Public Policy and Government:

      • Policy Analyst
      • Public Administrator
      • Community Organizer

    • Nonprofit and Advocacy:

      • Nonprofit Manager
      • Human Rights Advocate
      • Social Justice Coordinator

    • Media and Communications:

      • Journalist or Reporter
      • Public Relations Specialist
      • Media Consultant

    • Arts and Culture:

      • Museum Curator
      • Cultural Program Director
      • Archivist

    • Business and Corporate Sector:

      • Diversity and Inclusion Officer
      • Human Resources Specialist
      • Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

    • Legal and Criminal Justice:

      • Civil Rights Attorney
      • Paralegal
      • Juvenile Justice Advocate

    • Healthcare and Social Services:

      • Social Worker
      • Community Health Educator
      • Mental Health Counselor

    These career paths leverage the critical thinking, cultural competency, and social awareness skills developed through African American Studies.

    Contact Us

    Department Chair
    Erica Williams
    Email: ewilliams@peralta.edu

    Dean
    Tarek ElJarrari
    Email: teljarrari@peralta.edu

    Learning & Career Pathway
    Culture & Society

    Division
    Humanities, Social Sciences, & Library

    Location
    Building ?, Room ??? (G-140)

    Campus Map

    Degrees

    African American Studies
    African American Studies - A.A. Degree

    This degree prepares students with the comprehensive knowledge base, critical skills and social consciousness necessary to function as effective leaders in an increasingly globalized and diverse society.

    More Info
    African American History
    Social Justice: African American Studies - AA-T Degree

    This Degree is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer with junior status and priority admission to their CSU campus to a program or major in African American Studies or similar major for completion of a baccalaureate degree.

    More Info

    Faculty

    Department Chair

    Instructor, Ethnic Studies

    Erica Williams

    mwilliams19@peralta.edu

    Laney College Enrollment (3)

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    Laney College's AA-T and AS-T degrees guarantee junior standing admission to the CSU system, with priority for local CSU campuses in similar programs. Consult a counselor or transfer specialist for details.

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