Program Overview

Critical Diaspora Studies, Bachelor of Arts

The BA program in Critical Diaspora Studies (CDS) is an interdisciplinary major that inspires students to bring critical knowledge of racism, migration, colonialism, and social movements to bear on pressing practical issues of belonging, citizenship, social justice, and equality.

Department Overview

The Chloe Center for the Critical Study of Racism, Immigration, and Colonialism provides numerous opportunities for undergraduate students to work with faculty mentors on research projects, and it also offers regular workshops and research grants.

Major Requirements

To fulfill the general requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree, students majoring in Critical Diaspora Studies (CDS) must complete a total of 48-56 credits including 12 courses in CDS or courses cross-listed in CDS. CDS Majors must receive a grade of C- or better in all major requirements and no major requirements may be taken satisfactory/unsatisfactory.

Course Requirements

• Introductory Course: AS.305.101 Introduction to Critical Diaspora Studies (3 credits)
• Methods Course: AS.305.111 Methods in Critical Diaspora Studies (3 credits)
• Readings Courses: Two Critical Diaspora Studies Readings courses (6 credits)
• Critical Diaspora Studies Focus Area Requirement: Choose three courses in one of the following tracks (9 credits)
  • Migration and Borders (CDS-MB)
  • Global Indigeneities (CDS-GI)
  • Empires, Wars, and Carceralities (CDS-EWC)
  • Solidarities, Social Movements, and Citizenship (CDS-SSMC)
• Non-Focus Area Courses: Two courses at any level from a non-focus area (6 credits)
• Community-Engaged Learning Courses: Two consecutive community-engaged learning courses (6 credits)
• Language Courses: Complete the language requirement of four courses in language through the intermediate level (12-20 credits)

Sample Program of Study

First Year:

• Fall: FYS Taught by CDS (optional) (3 credits), Beginning Foreign Language I (4 credits)
• Spring: Beginning Foreign Language II (4 credits)

Second Year:

• Fall: AS.305.101 (3 credits), Intermediate Foreign Language I (3 credits)
• Spring: AS.305.111 (3 credits), Intermediate Foreign Language II (3 credits)

Third Year:

• Fall: Readings Course 1 (3 credits), CDS Focus Area Course 1 (3 credits), Community-Engaged Learning Course I (3 credits)
• Spring: Readings Course 2 (3 credits), CDS Focus Area Course 2 (300 level) (3 credits), Community-Engaged Learning Course II (3 credits)

Fourth Year:

• Fall: CDS Focus Area Course 3 (300 level) (3 credits), CDS Non-Focus Area Course 1 (3 credits)
• Spring: CDS Non-Focus Area Course 2 (3 credits), CDS Non-Focus Area Course 3 (300 level) (3 credits)

Total Credits: 48-56

Writing and Communication in the Major

Students must complete at least 6 credits of Writing and Communication foundational ability coursework in one major. For this major, students would be able to fulfill this requirement by completing the required course AS.305.111 Methods in Critical Diaspora Studies and selecting 3 credits of elective in the major that is designated as a Writing and Communications course.