Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have had some courses in African American and African Studies. How do I know which courses count toward my Major?
A: The Colleges of the Arts and Sciences has set some of the criteria by which the Department of African American and African Studies operates. Courses must be at the 200 level and above in order to be applied toward a major in AAAS.
Q: How soon can I start being advised in African American and African Studies?
A: Once you have declared a major in African American and African Studies by submitting a completed Major Program Form, your records will be filed in the Department of African American and African Studies and you will be assigned an advisor.
Q: Can I put together my own programs?
A: All majors must take 3 core courses: AAAS201, an introduction to the discipline and two analytic/methodogical courses, AAAS 310, and AAAS 545 or 595,preferably in sequence. In addition, majors must complete a minimum of 20 or up to 30hours in the chosen area of concentration (African American, African or Diaspora); and, aminimum of 5 hours each in the remaining areas.
Q: How many transfer credits will apply to a Major/Minor in African American and African Studies?
A: No more than 20 hours of transfer credit can be applied to a Major. No more than 10 hours of transfer credit may be applied to a Minor. These transfer credits must be at the 200 level or above. Transfer credit must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Q: Do 100 level courses count toward a Major or Minor?
A: No. The Colleges of the Arts and Sciences require 200 level courses or above for Major or Minor credit.
Q: If I took a 100 level course at another college/university and wanted it transferred to OSU, would this course apply to a Major?
A: Only in the unlikely event that the course is evaluated as equivalent to a 200 level course or above by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Q: What about 493 individual studies courses: Can I receive credit toward a Minor or Major?
A: Only 10 credit hours of 493 individual studies can apply to either the Minor or Major.
Q: While on the subject of acceptable courses, can I receive credit toward the Major in African American and African Studies for any of the African language courses (Kiswahili, Hausa, Zulu, Twi, Shona and Yoruba)?
A: No, but it should be noted that the African languages satisfy the university's foreign language requirement.
Q: Can I substitute area-related courses outside of African American and African Studies for credit towards the Major?
A: Yes, but you should speak with your advisor so as to secure the best advice regarding which courses might be of benefit to you.
Q: What about pass/non-pass courses? Can I receive credit toward a Minor or Major?
A: Only up to 10 credit hours in pass/non pass courses will be accepted in the Major program. None are acceptable for a Minor.
Q: Can I receive credit for an audit course?
A: No.
Q: What can I do with a Major in African American and African Studies?
A: African American and African Studies offers students a unique approach to all the major disciplines. As a part of the College of Humanities, African American and African Studies seeks to prepare students for further study in the Humanities as well as prepare them for employment in such areas as: state and local government, social agencies, teaching, business and the arts. Moreover, past Majors have become college and university professors, lawyers, business executives, and public school teachers.
Q: What do I have to do if I want to major in African American and African Studies when I have already established a Major in another discipline?
A: If you already have a Major, you must secure from an advisor a "Change of Major" form. You must then ask to have a copy of your records sent to the Department of African American and African Studies. If you have no Major, you must still ask the Colleges of Arts and Sciences to send a copy of your records to the Department of African American and African Studies.
Q: How do I secure an advisor in African American and African Studies?
A: The Director of the Undergraduate Studies Program will assign you an advisor. If you have already taken courses in African American and African Studies, you may have a particular professor who you would like to serve as your advisor. You are free to suggest or to switch advisors, with the permission of the Director of the Undergraduate Studies Program.
Q: Who is the Director of the Undergraduate Studies Program and how can I find out more information about the program?
A: The Director of the Undergraduate Studies Program for the academic year 2006-2007 is Dr. H.E. Newsum. For information about the program, contact the Undergraduate Studies Coordinator in 486 University Hall, 230 North Oval Mall, Columbus, Ohio 43210, or at phone (614) 292-3570, Email address: aaasmail@osu.edu
