Black Studies at Queen’s University is an interdisciplinary program that examines Black life, culture, and political struggle across history, literature, arts, geography, health, and human rights.Students explore key theories and activist movements—such as Black feminist thought, abolition and anti-prison work, and anti-Blackness—while building skills to analyze power, inequality, and social change.
Black Studies at Queen’s University is an interdisciplinary program that delves into Black life, culture, and political struggles throughout history, literature, the arts, geography, health, and human rights. This program encourages students to explore significant theories and activist movements, including Black feminist thought, abolition and anti-prison work, and the concept of anti-Blackness. Students will develop the skills necessary to analyze power dynamics, inequality, and social change.
The Black Studies curriculum is designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of Black life and political struggle through various disciplinary perspectives. Depending on whether you pursue a BA or a Minor, you will engage in a combination of required and elective courses.
Black Studies and the Politics of Liberation
Black and Indigenous Solidarity Work
Anti-Blackness and Human Rights
Interdisciplinary coursework that spans history, literature, philosophy, political thought, religion, music, and geography/planning.
Electives and cognate connections may include themes such as feminism, queer theory, anti-racism, and creative writing.
Applied learning opportunities may be available through practicums, internships, research assistantships, or community-engaged projects (availability may vary).
Curriculum details: For an accurate list of required courses, electives, and term-by-term planning, please review the full curriculum on the Queen’s University program page.
Entry requirements may vary based on the specific pathway (e.g., BA versus Minor) and individual academic backgrounds. For the most current eligibility criteria, please consult the Queen’s University program page.
Graduates of the Black Studies program will be equipped with critical thinking and analytical skills applicable to a variety of fields. Potential career paths may include education, social justice advocacy, public policy, community organizing, and roles within non-profit organizations. The program prepares students to engage thoughtfully with issues of race, equality, and social change in diverse professional settings.
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