Program Description
Program Code: 6550
The Black Studies Certificate program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive study of the origins and experiences of people of African descent. As an interdisciplinary program devoted to scholarship on the histories, political and cultural movements, institution-building, and identities of people of African ancestry. The curriculum includes courses in the humanities and social sciences to provide students with an understanding of the far-reaching impacts of race and ethnicity across continents and especially the impact felt within the Black Canadian Community.
Students are required to take GNED 440, GNED 441, GNED 442, and GNED 500 in order to complete the credential. Two of these courses will be taken as the GNED electives. The GNED 500 remains a requirement as specified in the student diploma program. The outstanding course must be taken in addition to your model route and an additional tuition fee will be applied.
Program Outline
As the second largest continent with over one billion people, Africa is instrumental to understanding the world. Its historical significance as home of the first great empires, unique diversity of cultures, people, religions, languages, traditions and norms, make it an intriguing subject for scholarly exploration. This course provides interdisciplinary perspectives on the continent through the examination of its politics, economies, socio-cultural aspects, religions and geography. Over the course of the term, students will gain a deeper understanding of the factors that have deterred and shaped the continent‚ Äôs development, framing those factors in historical and contemporary contexts.
This course provides students with the opportunity to learn about the unique histories and experiences of diverse Black communities in Canada. Through an anti-racism lens, students will analyze both historical and contemporary manifestations of race and racism experienced by Black communities in Canada. Students will learn about the impacts of racial oppression, discrimination, and bias as part of a broader understanding of systemic inequality reinforced by the system. Collectively, students will examine how inequities have developed within Canadian institutions such as education, immigration, healthcare, employment, and the media. By taking this course, students will develop a critical awareness and build capacity as global citizens to advocate for change with knowledge of how to recognize, challenge, reject and recreate new narratives in Canadian society that build on Black excellence and contribute to the well-being of diverse Black communities in Canada.
This course offers a comprehensive examination of the contemporary state of Blackness, delving into various aspects of Black Canadian culture, history, literature, arts, politics, sports, and activism. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students will critically analyze and discuss the experiences, contributions, and challenges faced by Black Canadians. By exploring key themes such as identity, social justice, community empowerment and Black Cultural Expressions in Music the arts and entertainment and sports, students will develop a deeper understanding of the Black Canadian experience and its significance within the broader Canadian context, and be equipped with skills to advocate and action for racial justice.
Global citizenship provides students with an opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills required to live and work in a world that is globally interconnected. Students will examine and critically analyze social problems, gain an understanding of identity and values, develop an awareness of media conglomeration, power and control, and investigate issues of equality and equity using different perspectives to develop a plan for social action that will bring about positive change. This course allows students to develop a sound understanding of what it means to be a global citizen, both personally and professionally, and the ways in which they can make a contribution to an equitable society and world.