Date Approved
4-2016
Graduate Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Education (M.Ed.)
Degree Program
College of Education
First Advisor
Nagnon Diarrassouba
Second Advisor
Donald Mitchell
Third Advisor
Jay Cooper
Abstract
The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to provide understanding of the reason why African American students choose to enroll or do not enroll in Black Studies courses; and, (2) explore the relationship between racial identity development and Black Studies programs. Using a phenomenological approach, African American undergraduate students who have: (a) participated in a student organization that focuses on the advancement of Black people/African Americans, an organization that was founded with the purpose of creating an organization for Black Americans, or an organization that focuses on racial equality; or (b) be a Black Studies minor were interviewed. Findings suggest that students who choose Black Studies courses are a result of their desire to learn more about and reclaim their history. Those who did not take a Black Studies courses did not enroll because they were not interested in the topic or prioritized their required classes. Students who were Black Studies minors were more likely to feel a connection with the African diaspora while those who had not taken a Black Studies course were more likely to claim themselves as Black verses African American. Black Studies minors reported a better sense of self and reported a more positive development of their racial identity compared to many of the students who did not take a Black studies course.
ScholarWorks Citation
Fuller, Ja'Kia M., "Racial Identity Development of African American Students in Relation to Black Studies Courses" (2016). Masters Theses. 810.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/theses/810
