THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE FACULTY SENATE Senate Document Number 1794S Date of Senate Approval 1/27/94 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Statement of Faculty Senate Action: IDC Document #3: PROPOSAL: Africana Studies Program The University ofNorth Carolina at Asheville The University of North Carolina at Asheville is the only campus in the UNC system that has been classified as Liberal Arts I. This new and unique position allows a tailoring of the programs and curriculum to more adequately fulfill the university's mission. According to the 1991-92 catalog, "The university is committed to a liberating education emphasizing the central role of humane values in thought and action, the free and rigorous pursuit of truth, and a respect for differing points of view and heritage. It aims to develop men and women of broad perspective who think critically and creatively and who communicate effectively." UNCA has progressed towards meeting this charge by instituting the Humanities minor in 1990, the Women's Studies Program in 1991 and International Studies in 1992. These programs supplement the university's regular academic offerings through various co-curricular activities while also allowing students to earn minors. Furthermore, one of the most attractive and important features of the campus is the interdisciplinary nature of its programs. For these and other reasons it seems appropriate to also offer students the opportunity to pursue a minor in Africana Studies. The establishment of an Africana Studies Program at UNCA agrees with a growing number of university campuses that have sought over the last twenty-five years to enhance the opportunities to teach and learn about the literature, history, culture and other particularities characterizing Black peoples. Initially, these early programs concentrated primarily on African-Americans with several also including the study of the peoples of Africa. These departments, centers, institutes and programs used "Afro-American", "African and African-American", and "Black" in the formal names. The University of California at Los Angeles, Harvard University, Yale University, The Ohio State University and Princeton University are examples of the foregoing. Today, as other campuses inaugurate programs while ongoing programs are revamped, there is a growing recognition that "Africana Studies" is a more appropriate title for the subject matters actually being found in the curricula and specialties of participating faculty. More importantly, though, scholarly research indicates exciting new developments resulting from the recognition of the close interconnectedness between Black peoples, nations and cultures of Africa, the United States, Caribbean, and Latin America. Even though an Africana Studies program at UNCA might, because of resource limitations, focus most directly on Africa-America, the opportunity must not be lost in establishing a program that is in sync with national developments. Columbia University and New York University are recent examples of programs recognizing, through, name and objectives the holistic and interwoven, multidisciplinary nature of the study of Black peoples. Afro-Hispanics and Afro-Europeans, for example, are subjects of increasing scholarly attention within Africana Studies. Interdisciplinary teaching and research is not new to UNCA. Instituting a program that allows for the coordinated, interdisciplinary study of Black peoples, however, would be an exciting addition to the campus' offerings while simultaneously, insuring that we are current with national scholarly developments. The following program is offered as a possible means to meet this end. I. STATEMENT OF MISSION The Africana Studies Program is committed to enhancing the Mission of the University by expanding the offerings that compose the liberal arts education available on the campus. As part of this liberating education, the Africana Studies Programs contributes to the emphasis placed by the University upon the centrality of humane values expressed in thought and actions, the free and rigorous pursuit of truth, and respect for differing points of view and heritage. These are goals from which the program will not stray. The Africana Studies Program also contributes to the development of men and women of all races and backgrounds who think critically and creatively and who communicate effectively. The program is also committed to serving the community in ways that complement the University's educational mission. II. OBJECTIVES OF PROGRAM A. The development of a community of scholars dedicated to the study of Black peoples throughout the world. B. The creation and coordination of courses allowing students to fulfill requirements for a minor in Africana Studies. C. The understanding in artistic, scientific, and humanistic terms, of the roles of Blacks in society and culture D. The enhancement of the university's curriculum and the community's understandings regarding topics and issues related to Africans, African-Americans and other descendants of those involved in the diaspora. III. STRUCTURE OF PROGRAM MINOR The program leading to a minor in Africana Studies consist of 18 - 21 credit hours including two core courses, AFRIC 100 Introduction to Africana Studies (3 cr hrs); AFRIC 400 Senior Seminar in Africana Studies (3 cr hrs); plus 12 hours to be distributed among the following areas: Arts and Music; Social Sciences; Natural Sciences; Historical Studies; and Humanities/Cultural Studies. Courses must be taken in at least two of the aforementioned five areas. Special Topics courses may count as electives in the minor with the approval of the Africana Studies Director. Courses currently appearing in the 1992 - 93 University Catalog may be selected from the list below (See Curriculum Offerings). In addition to listed course offerings, students are required to satisfy a pre-approved community service project. These projects could earn between 1 - 3 credit hours, depending on the number of contact hours involved. Students who have successfully completed the African-American Colloquium will be regarded as having met the community service requirement needed for completion of the minor. The advisement and monitoring of students proceeding through the minor will be advised by the recommendations of one of the field's professional organizations, the National Council for Black Studies. This group suggests that courses in African and African-American Studies programs be structured around an 'ideal' core curriculum. It suggests, as does this proposal, that there be three broad areas of instruction and research: Social/Behavioral studies; History course areas; and Cultural studies area. If adopted, it is recommended that the Africana Studies Program be evaluated by the appropriate bodies at the end of the first year of operation. And in concurrence with the practice of the university, it is further recommended that the program be evaluated every five years IV. CURRICULUM OFFERINGS The courses selected for the Africana Studies Program follows the precedent established by the UNCA's Women's Studies Program. Students would be required to complete twelve hours of electives selected from cross-listed courses that have been approved for the minor; a community service project to be approved by the Director; and two core courses. These two mandatory courses would act as the introductory and capstone courses for the minor. These core courses are listed below: AFRIC 100 Introduction to Africana Studies (3 cr hrs) A survey of the disciplines that constitute Africana Studies. Students are introduced to the basic content, methodologies and writings of the fields that have shaped past and current understandings of Blacks. It is strongly advised that this course be taken as early as is possible following the student's initial interest in the Africana Studies minor. AFRIC 400 Senior Seminar in Africana Studies (3 cr hrs) Directed, advanced and/or independent studies and readings focusing on a particular topic pertinent to Africana Studies. Interdisciplinary attention is particularly given to current writings in the field. Students are expected to complete a project evidencing senior-level competence. Prerequisite: completion of 12 hours in Africana Studies and 75 hours toward graduation. AFRIC 100 Introduction to Africana Studies will be offered every Spring semester while AFRIC 400 Senior Seminar in Africana Studies will be offered each Fall. B. ELECTIVES Students minoring in Africana Studies will be expected to choose courses listed in the University catalog and/or those appearing from semester to semester as "Special Topics". The following courses appear in the 1992 - 93 University Catalog and are representative of the current range of available topics. ECON 261 U.S. Economic History (3) ECON 314 Economic Development (3) LIT 244 Survey of African-American Literature (3) LIT 358 Major Black Writers (3) MCOM 362 Women & Minorities in Media (3) POLS 341 Evolution of African-American Politics (3) POLS 342 Contemporary African-American Politics (3) POLS 361 Imperialism & Revolution in Colonial Africa (3) POLS 362 Contemporary African Politics (3) SOC 215 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3) SOC 221 Sociology of Race and Ethnicity (3) SOC 322 Black Culture and Society (3) SOC 350 Sociology of the Third World (3) Students completing the minor in Africana Studies will have satisfied between 18 - 21 credit hours. The courses selected to complete the minor should be electives covering at least the areas of Social/Behavioral sciences; History course areas; and Cultural studies course areas. The latter could include courses in Music, Art, and other disciplines within the Humanities. V. INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT A. PERSONNEL 1. Director The Director of the Africana Studies Program will be a full-time member of the faculty in a recognized department of the University. While serving as Director, three credit hours of reassigned time per semester would be granted to administer the program. The responsibilities of the Director will include: a) assuring a selection of scheduled courses each semester for use as electives for the completion of the minor; b) advisement of students declaring Africana Studies as a minor; c) organizing faculty development seminars addressing African and African-American topic areas that will enhance the interdisciplinary teaching of the General Education requirements and various departmental offerings; d) providing teaching and performance evaluations for faculty participating in the Africana Studies Program; e) reporting annually and regularly to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs on the status of the program; and f) assisting University Relations in seeking additional private support for the program. 2. Africana Studies Advisory Council The Africana Studies Advisory Council will consist of at least three faculty members appointed by the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs in consultation with the Director of the program. This body will advise the Director in matters such as the following: a) providing direction and support for the construction and maintenance of a sound and viable program; b) recommending purchases of instructional materials for the library and academic departments; c) approving recommended courses leading to the successful and timely completion of the minor by declared students; d) providing annual teaching and performance evaluations for faculty participating in Africana Studies; e) recommending to the appropriate academic bodies any alterations to the program's curriculum or structure; f) organizing Faculty Development Seminars for the enhancement of teaching African and African-American topics; g) assisting University Relations in seeking private financial support for the program; and h) supporting cooperative activities between the Africana Studies Program and the public. B. BUDGET EXPECTATIONS Much of the start-up costs and annual program expenditures will involve the purchase of materials and the development of curriculum and faculty resources that will be utilized by students and other members of the university community. Importantly, the multidisciplinary nature of the resources generated through the Africana Studies program will also be used by various departments and programs such as Humanities, Women's Studies and International Studies. SAMPLES OF INITIAL LIBRARY PURCHASES Films/videos Films for the Humanities & Sciences $1,000 for 10 titles Library of African Films $1,395 for 8 titles Monographs, References, Historical Collections Facsimile series "Slavery, Race & the American Legal System, 1700-1872" $1,350 Reference books $2,000 Schomburg Clipping File - Africa $2,950 Selections from Krause Reprints & Periodicals (Literature from Africa & the Americas) $500 Books on Africa (Arts, Social/Natural Sciences & Humanities) $2,500 Books on African-Americans (Arts, Social/Natural Sciences & Humanities) $3,000 Books & other materials related to the Diaspora $1,000 TOTAL $15,695 These initial purchases are intended as an immediate addition to current campus holdings and are not meant to replace ongoing departmental purchases. It is, however, requested that an annual library budget of $2,500 be granted for the Africana Studies program. In addition to the above purchases, an initial first year budget could consist of the following: Sample of a First Year Budget Budget Expenditure Code Item Request 1000 Honorariums $500 Student Wages $200 Contracted Programs $500 2000 Educational Supplies $500 Maps Classroom Materials Office Supplies $300 Pens Paper Laser Printer Cartridge Stationery 3000 Travel $2000 African Studies Association Black Studies Association Postage $180 Copying $600 4000 Journals Journal of African Civilizations ? Black Studies Journal ? 5000 Office Furniture Chair $600 Desk $1,500 Computer Table $300 Capital Improvements ? Computer Equipment Apple PC $1,200 HP Laser Jet 4ML $900 Software $395 1 Megabyte Memory Upgrade $56 Parallel Printer cable $10 TOTAL $9,741 The above costs reflect anticipations that assume the housing of the Africana Studies program in space that has not been yet provided. Following the initial establishment of the program, a typical annual budget can be expected to cover conference travel, honorariums, supplies; and opportunities to support faculty development and student research via student wage funds. The following is an example of a second year budget for Africana Studies: Sample of a Second year Budget Budget Expenditure Code Item Request 1000 Honorariums $500 Student Wages $200 Contracted Programs $500 2000 Educational Supplies $500 Audio Visual Materials Classroom Materials Office Supplies $300 Pens Paper Laser Printer Cartridge Stationery 3000 Travel $2000 African Studies Association Black Studies Association Postage $180 Copying $600 TOTAL $4,780 Sample of a Third Year Budget Budget Expenditure Code Item Request 1000 Honorariums $550 Student Wages $220 Contracted Programs $550 2000 Educational Supplies $550 Audio Visual Materials Classroom Materials Office Supplies $330 Pens Paper Laser Printer Cartridge Stationery 3000 Travel $2500 African Studies Association Black Studies Association Postage $200 Copying $660 TOTAL $5,560 C. PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES IMPACT If the Africana Studies Program is adopted, the institution would need to provide three hours per semester of reassigned time provided for the Director. (There is the possibility that the Program Director might have an effective release from their home department of 1/2 FTE if they cannot teach courses which "double count" in the minor and in the home department major while also teaching in the Humanities or Arts 310 courses.) This along with the timely offerings of elective courses by various departments could further stress the ability to also offer courses necessary for the completion of departmental requirements needed to fulfill the major. Of course this further contributes to the already significant contributions departments are making to ongoing, interdisciplinary programs such as Humanities. Other effects of the program on the personnel resources of the institution would include the addition of courses with topics in Africana Studies that are not listed in the 1992-93 catalog. A significant number of disciplines including History, Psychology, Art, Management, Music and Biology that are typically found in similar programs found nationally will probably be asked to offer related courses at UNCA once this minor has been established. The addition of courses in these areas would place significant strains on the current resources of the campus. However, not to do so would be an important limitation of the deserved depth of the program. In order to better prepare faculty for teaching and advising students taking courses in Africana Studies it is suggested that expenditures on faculty development seminars be expected as a regular resource demand placed on the institution. This would include funding for Summer Institutes and other semester-long seminars designed to allow faculty to study topics, discuss pedagogies and prepare courses that will be offered as minor electives or that will supplement other departmental and General Education courses. Faculty choosing to teach courses in Africana Studies will offer courses that are currently listed, by departments, in the University Catalog. However, faculty would also offer courses that would appear as "Special Topics". Both types of courses would be cross-listed in the upcoming semester's Schedule of Courses by appearing under departmental and Africana Studies offerings. Neither of these approaches is expected to require the addition of any new faculty positions. These approaches also should not demand that losses be incurred by departments as faculty choose to offer cross-listed courses. Obviously, cross-listed courses service department need by acting as electives available for students to fulfill the major.