Undergraduate Courses

> Download the Fall 2023 course catalogue here.

Elective AADS Courses for Letters & Science Programs

Elective AADS Courses for UWM Programs

AADS Courses for Major-Minor-Certificate Programs

Undergraduate Course List:

(Please refer to the UWM Schedule of Classes for currently offered courses)

AFRIC 100 Black Reality: Survey of African-American Society
3 cr. Undergraduate.
An introduction to key concepts, structures, and institutions in African-American societies.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: CD, HU
Last Taught: Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Summer 2022, Spring 2022.

AFRIC 102 Survey of African-American Literature
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A survey of a variety of African-American literature.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: CD, HU
Last Taught: Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Spring 2021.

AFRIC 111 Introduction to African-American History to 1865
3 cr. Undergraduate.
African and African-American history to the Reconstruction period.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: CD, HU
Last Taught: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2020.

AFRIC 112 Introduction to African-American History, 1865 to the Present
3 cr. Undergraduate.
African-American history from the Reconstruction era to the present.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: CD, HU
Last Taught: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020, Fall 2019.

AFRIC 125 Economics of the Black Community
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A survey of key economic principles, and elements that structure economic behavior in the black community.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: CD, SS
Last Taught: Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2021.

AFRIC 163 African-American Concept of Self
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Survey of the cultural, social and psychological origins of the contemporary view African Americans have of themselves.
Prerequisites: none.
Last Taught: Spring 2010, Fall 2009, Spring 2009, Fall 2008.

AFRIC 192 First-Year Seminar:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Specific topics are announced in the Schedule of Classes each time the class is offered.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Course Rules: Open only to freshmen. Students may earn cr in just one L&S First-Year Sem (course numbers 192, 193, 194).
Last Taught: Fall 2008, Fall 2007, Fall 2000, Spring 1999.

AFRIC 193 First-Year Seminar:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Specific topics are announced in the Schedule of Classes each time the class is offered.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: SS
Course Rules: Open only to freshmen. Students may earn cr in just one L&S First-Year Sem (course numbers 192, 193, 194).
Last Taught: Fall 2009, Fall 2008, Fall 2002, Fall 1997.

AFRIC 199 Independent Study
1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
For further information, consult the department chair.
Prerequisites: 2.5 GPA; writ cons instr, dept chair & asst dean for SAS.
Course Rules: May be retaken to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Summer 2011, Spring 2008, Fall 2006, Fall 2005.

AFRIC 205 The Poetry of African, African-American, and Caribbean Writers
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A survey of ideas, themes, values, beliefs, and attitudes in the poetry of African, African-American and Caribbean writers.
Prerequisites: soph st.
General Education Requirements: CD, HU
Last Taught: Fall 2013, Fall 2010, Fall 2008, Fall 2007.

AFRIC 210 The African-American Novel
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A study of the social and cultural significance of the African-American novel, with emphasis on genre, imagery, and dramatic irony.
Prerequisites: soph st.
General Education Requirements: CD, HU
Last Taught: Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013, Spring 2012.

AFRIC 215 Introduction to Black Social and Cultural Traditions
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A consideration of the social and cultural traditions that ground the life experiences and prospects of black people.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: CD, SS
Last Taught: Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2019, Spring 2018.

AFRIC 220 Introduction to Statistics in African and African Diaspora Studies
3 cr. Undergraduate.
The use of statistical methods and techniques in techniques in African and African Diaspora Studies. Data from the Afroworld (North and South America, Africa, and the Caribbean) will be analyzed.
Prerequisites: Prerequisite: satisfaction of GER Quantitative Literacy Part A.
General Education Requirements: QLB
Last Taught: Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2021.

AFRIC 228 Introduction to Black Political Economy
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A survey of the interplay of the basic political and economic categories that structure the form and content of black life in America.
Prerequisites: soph st.
General Education Requirements: CD, SS
Last Taught: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Spring 2020, Spring 2019.

AFRIC 232 Survey of African Societies and Cultures
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A survey of continuities and changes in the social and cultural lives of the peoples of Black Africa.
Prerequisites: soph st.
General Education Requirements: SS
Last Taught: Spring 2023, Spring 2020, Fall 2017, Fall 2016.

AFRIC 235 African Americans and South Africa
3 cr. Undergraduate.
The study of ideological, economic, religious, cultural, educational and political ties between African Americans and black South Africans from the 19th century to the present.
Prerequisites: soph st or cons instr.
General Education Requirements: HU
Last Taught: Fall 2013, Fall 2001, Fall 1995.

AFRIC 250 Black Women and White Women in the Contemporary United States
3 cr. Undergraduate.
The effect of economics, education, social structures and history on the role of black women in US society.
Prerequisites: soph st.
General Education Requirements: SS
Last Taught: UWinteriM 2011, Spring 2010, Spring 2009, Spring 2008.

AFRIC 261 Survey of African-American Political Philosophy
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A survey of key ideas, concepts, arguments, problems, and issues in African-American political philosophy.
Prerequisites: soph st.
General Education Requirements: CD, HU
Last Taught: Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Fall 2008, Fall 2004.

AFRIC 265 Psychological Effects of Racism
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Psychological and socio-psychological effects of individualized and institutionalized racism on blacks and whites. Emphasis is placed on a range of interactions between blacks and whites.
Prerequisites: soph st.
General Education Requirements: CD, SS
Last Taught: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020, Spring 2019.

AFRIC 289 Internship in African & African Diaspora Studies, Lower Division
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Application of basic principles of African & African Diaspora Studies in business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate setting.
Prerequisites: One credit earned for academic work based on 40 hours in internship. May be retaken to 6 credits max. Prerequisite: 100- or 200-level AFRIC course; 2.25 GPA; consent of supervising faculty member.
Last Taught: Fall 2009, Spring 2008, Spring 2007, Summer 2006.

AFRIC 297 Study Abroad:
1-12 cr. Undergraduate.
Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content, and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.
Prerequisites: acceptance for Study Abroad Prog.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.
Last Taught: UWinteriM 2019, UWinteriM 2013, UWinteriM 2012, UWinteriM 2010.

AFRIC 299 Ad Hoc:
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Course created expressly for offering in a specified enrollment period. Requires only dept & assoc dean approval. In exceptional circumstances, can be offered in one add'l sem.
Prerequisites: none; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.
Last Taught: Fall 2004, Spring 2003, Spring 2000, Fall 1998.

AFRIC 300 Urban Violence
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Analysis of the nature, causes, and consequences of urban violence; the possibilities and limits of violence in promoting the good of blacks will be scrutinized.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2022, Spring 2019.

AFRIC 300G Urban Violence
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Analysis of the nature, causes, and consequences of urban violence; the possibilities and limits of violence in promoting the good of blacks will be scrutinized.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2022, Spring 2019.

AFRIC 301 Research Methods in African & African Diaspora Studies
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A survey of research methods and techniques, and the uses of the computer in data gathering and analysis in African & African Diaspora Studies.
Prerequisites: Prerequisite: junior standing; elementary statistics course; or consent of instructor.
Last Taught: Fall 2021, Fall 2018, Fall 2016, Spring 2015.

AFRIC 311 African Religious Thought and Social Organizations
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
A critical analysis of foundations from which complex social structures and institutions evolved in the diverse societies of the Afroworld.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2019, Fall 2009.

AFRIC 311G African Religious Thought and Social Organizations
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
A critical analysis of foundations from which complex social structures and institutions evolved in the diverse societies of the Afroworld.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2019, Fall 2009.

AFRIC 312 The Church in African-American Life
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A study of the socio-cultural significance of the church in the evolution of the black community.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2012, Fall 2011, Fall 2010, Fall 2009.

AFRIC 314 The School in African-American Life
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A study of the socio-cultural significance of the school in the evolution of the black community.
Prerequisites: Jointly offered with & counts as a repeat of ED POL 314(353). Prerequisite: junior standing.
General Education Requirements: CD, HU
Last Taught: Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2020, Spring 2019.

AFRIC 319 African American Urban History
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Examination of the social and cultural transformation of Black urban communities, including social relations, political expression, economic organization, and cultural production, through the effects of government policies, economic trends, and institutional racism.
Prerequisites: junior standing.
Last Taught: Spring 2022.

AFRIC 319G African American Urban History
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Examination of the social and cultural transformation of Black urban communities, including social relations, political expression, economic organization, and cultural production, through the effects of government policies, economic trends, and institutional racism.
Prerequisites: junior standing.
Last Taught: Spring 2022.

AFRIC 320 Black Cultures in Latin America and the Caribbean
3 cr. Undergraduate.
African influence on Latin America and the Caribbean, and the cultures of black peoples in several areas, particularly Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad, and Barbados.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Spring 2023, Fall 2019, Fall 2017, Fall 2016.

AFRIC 321 Black Workers in the 21st Century
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Analysis of scientific and technological changes in America since 1900, and their qualitative as well as quantitative impact on black productivity and participation in the work force.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2022.

AFRIC 321G Black Workers in the 21st Century
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Analysis of scientific and technological changes in America since 1900, and their qualitative as well as quantitative impact on black productivity and participation in the work force.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2022.

AFRIC 322 Order and Disorder: The Quest for Social Justice
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
An analysis of the forms, purposes, and effects of order and disorder in relation to black people's quest for social justice.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Spring 2023.

AFRIC 322G Order and Disorder: The Quest for Social Justice
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
An analysis of the forms, purposes, and effects of order and disorder in relation to black people's quest for social justice.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Spring 2023.

AFRIC 323 Capitalism, Socialism, Nationalism and Fascism
3 cr. Undergraduate.
An analysis of the political philosophies of capitalism, socialism, nationalism and fascism in relation to their significance for the organization of political societies in the Afroworld.
Prerequisites: jr st.

AFRIC 325 Africa/China Relations
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Historical and emerging political and economic relationship between the African continent and China.
Prerequisites: Counts as a repeat of AFRIC 565 with similar title. Prerequisite: junior standing.
Last Taught: Fall 2022.

AFRIC 325G Africa/China Relations
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Historical and emerging political and economic relationship between the African continent and China.
Prerequisites: Counts as a repeat of AFRIC 565 with similar title. Prerequisite: junior standing.
Last Taught: Fall 2022.

AFRIC 326 Economic Problems of Black Business
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Examination of major economic problems of black business; liquidity, credit, market shares, insurance, rents, mortgages, and location are analyzed in relation to black business performance.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Spring 2022.

AFRIC 326G Economic Problems of Black Business
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Examination of major economic problems of black business; liquidity, credit, market shares, insurance, rents, mortgages, and location are analyzed in relation to black business performance.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Spring 2022.

AFRIC 329 Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Africa
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Economic development in African countries; poverty reduction strategies, role of education and health, Millennium Development Goals, agrarian systems, international trade; U.S. as key trading partner.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2021.

AFRIC 329G Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Africa
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Economic development in African countries; poverty reduction strategies, role of education and health, Millennium Development Goals, agrarian systems, international trade; U.S. as key trading partner.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2021.

AFRIC 334 Survey of Black American and Black Brazilian Societies
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Examines similarities and differences between peoples of African descent in the United States and Brazil, with reference to society, culture, and political economy.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Spring 2022, Spring 2017, Spring 2015, Spring 2008.

AFRIC 341 Black Politics and City Government
3 cr. Undergraduate.
An analysis of the impact of black politics on the decision-making process of, and delivery of goods and services by, state and local governments.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Spring 2023, Spring 2016, Spring 2014, Fall 2009.

AFRIC 344 Global Black Social Movements
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Analysis of leadership, ideology, and the structure of black political movements and organizations in the twentieth century.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2021.

AFRIC 344G Global Black Social Movements
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Analysis of leadership, ideology, and the structure of black political movements and organizations in the twentieth century.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2021.

AFRIC 350 The Black Family
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
An examination of the structure and functions of the black family in its urban and rural contexts.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2014, Summer 2011.

AFRIC 350G The Black Family
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
An examination of the structure and functions of the black family in its urban and rural contexts.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2014, Summer 2011.

AFRIC 351 Sexuality, Gender, and Health in Africa and the Diaspora
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Drawing on cultural studies and social science approaches, this course asks the question of how health and illness is socially and culturally determined.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Spring 2016, Fall 2011, Fall 2010.

AFRIC 352 Extended Families in Black Societies
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A critical cross-national/cross-cultural analysis of the structures and functions of black extended families in the Americas and Africa.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Spring 2013, Spring 2012, Spring 2011, Spring 2010.

AFRIC 362 Philosophy and Thought in Africa and the Diaspora II
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Philosophical foundations of the intellectual tradition and political ideas of Africa and the African diaspora after 1900.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Summer 2010, Fall 2008, Fall 2004, Fall 2003.

AFRIC 369 Black Images and Mass Media
3 cr. Undergraduate.
An evaluation of how the mass media have affected the psyche of Black people.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Fall 2012.

AFRIC 370 Forms of Black Expression
3 cr. Undergraduate.
An analysis of elements of African traditions that have influenced the literature, music, art, dance, and folkways (in the Afro-world, particularly in the United States).
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 1990.

AFRIC 372 African-American Literary Movements: The Harlem Renaissance
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A consideration of the historical and social forces that promoted the development of black literature during the period of the Harlem Renaissance.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2010, Fall 2008.

AFRIC 381 Honors Seminar:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Selected topics in the political economy, cultures, and societies of the Afroworld.
Prerequisites: soph st; Honors 200(P); cons Honors College dir.
General Education Requirements: SS
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 9 credits max.

AFRIC 411 Change in African-American Communities
3 cr. Undergraduate.
An analysis of institutional and non-institutional forces that occasion change in black communities.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Spring 2011, Fall 2009, Spring 2005, Spring 2002.

AFRIC 412 Blacks and the United States Constitution
3 cr. Undergraduate.
An analysis of the Constitution's impact on blacks, and the body of law that has evolved from litigation involving the interests of black people.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2005, Fall 2001, Fall 2000, Fall 1999.

AFRIC 414 The Black Woman in America, Africa, and the Caribbean
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A comparison of the roles and impact of the black women on American, African and Caribbean societies.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Spring 2022, Spring 2018, Fall 2016, Spring 2016.

AFRIC 415 Race in Sports
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Exploration of the terrain of American sports in the twentieth century to understand the profound impact athletic competition has had on the development of American race relations and racial inequality.
Prerequisites: junior standing or greater.
Course Rules: Counts as a repeat of AFRIC 565 with similar topic.

AFRIC 415G Race in Sports
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Exploration of the terrain of American sports in the twentieth century to understand the profound impact athletic competition has had on the development of American race relations and racial inequality.
Prerequisites: junior standing or greater.
Course Rules: Counts as a repeat of AFRIC 565 with similar topic.

AFRIC 416 Race and Social Justice in the United States
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A study of the relation between race, injustice and social change in the United States.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2017, Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Spring 2010.

AFRIC 417 Race, Class and Gender in Southern Africa
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Race, class and gender as sources of conflict and cooperation in southern African societies.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Spring 2014, Spring 2004, Spring 2003, Spring 2000.

AFRIC 418 Race, Class, and Gender in Latin America and the Caribbean
3 cr. Undergraduate.
An analysis of race, class and gender in the evolution of political, economic, and social structures in Caribbean and Latin American societies.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2020, Fall 2018, Spring 2009, Fall 2006.

AFRIC 420 The Political Economy of Slavery
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Analysis of the political and economic contradictions of U.S. slavery; the value of free versus slave labor is scrutinized in the context of emerging capitalism.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2014, Fall 2013, Spring 2002, Spring 1999.

AFRIC 450 Cultural Transmissions: Black Africa and Black America
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
A cross-national and cross-cultural comparison of the societies and cultures of black Americans and black Africans.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Spring 2011, Spring 2010.

AFRIC 450G Cultural Transmissions: Black Africa and Black America
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
A cross-national and cross-cultural comparison of the societies and cultures of black Americans and black Africans.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Spring 2011, Spring 2010.

AFRIC 451 Rites of Passage in Black Societies
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Foundations of the use of rites of passage in different societies throughout Africa and the African diaspora.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2013, Spring 2013.

AFRIC 451G Rites of Passage in Black Societies
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Foundations of the use of rites of passage in different societies throughout Africa and the African diaspora.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2013, Spring 2013.

AFRIC 489 Internship in African & African Diaspora Studies, Upper Division
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Application of advanced principles of African & African Diaspora Studies in a business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate setting.
Prerequisites: One credit earned for academic work based on 40 hours in internship. May be retaken to 6 credits max. Prerequisite: junior standing; 300-level or above course in AFRIC; 2.25 gpa; consent of supervising faculty member.
Last Taught: Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2020, Summer 2017.

AFRIC 497 Study Abroad:
1-12 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content, and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.
Prerequisites: jr st; acceptance for Study Abroad Prog.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.
Last Taught: UWinteriM 2019, Summer 2017.

AFRIC 497G Study Abroad:
1-12 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content, and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.
Prerequisites: jr st; acceptance for Study Abroad Prog.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.
Last Taught: UWinteriM 2019, Summer 2017.

AFRIC 499 Ad Hoc:
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Course created expressly for offering in a specified enrollment period. Requires only dept & assoc dean approval. In exceptional circumstances, can be offered in one add'l sem.
Prerequisites: jr st; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.
Last Taught: Fall 1995.

AFRIC 545 Raising Children, 'Race-ing' Children
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Analysis of the social meaning of race in the US through the lens of childhood and adolescence; how children come to understand and navigate racism.
Prerequisites: jr st or grad st.
Course Rules: Counts as a repeat of AFRIC 565 w/ similar topic.
Last Taught: Fall 2022.

AFRIC 545G Raising Children, 'Race-ing' Children
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Analysis of the social meaning of race in the US through the lens of childhood and adolescence; how children come to understand and navigate racism.
Prerequisites: jr st or grad st.
Course Rules: Counts as a repeat of AFRIC 565 w/ similar topic.
Last Taught: Fall 2022.

AFRIC 565 Selected Texts/Topics in African & African Diaspora Studies:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Examination of selected problems, issues, and themes in African & African Diaspora Studies.
Prerequisites: Spring 2022.

AFRIC 565G Selected Texts/Topics in African & African Diaspora Studies:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Examination of selected problems, issues, and themes in African & African Diaspora Studies.
Prerequisites: Spring 2022.

AFRIC 699 Independent Study
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
See Advanced Independent Study.
Prerequisites: jr st; 2.5 GPA; writ cons instr, dept chair & asst dean for SAS.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Summer 2017, Fall 2015.

Cross-Listed Courses

The following courses offered by other departments may be used to satisfy the requirements of the undergraduate major or minor in African and African Diaspora Studies.

ENGLISH 381World Literatures Written in English: (African Fiction)3
ENGLISH 517Studies in African-American Literature:3
ENGLISH 631Seminar in African-American Literature:3
FILM 301Film Art for Non-Majors (Radical Black Film)3
PORTUGS 225Understanding Brazil: (African Presence in Brazilian Culture and Literature)3