New Academic Programming in Black & African Diaspora Studies
Inclusive excellence in curriculum development, program innovation, and delivery is an important part of Dalhousie's commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience.
Our new suite of offerings in Black and African Diaspora Studies includes a new major and honours degree, a refined minor, and a new certificate. It’s one of the first majors of its kind in Canada and is the result of a long, dedicated, and cumulative collaboration across the university.
Through the new offerings in Black and African Diaspora Studies, students will gain broad knowledge of the historical and contemporary issues, contributions, and experiences of Black people both globally and in Canada—including a specific focus on African Nova Scotians. Dr. Claudine Bonner, CRC in Black Studies at Acadia University and an external reviewer of the programs, noted this is an “ambitious and intellectually rigorous, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary program, which aims to develop students’ skills in thinking critically and carefully about Black life, social and political issues, history and culture.”
An interdisciplinary approach
The programs’ strength lies in its interdisciplinary approach to a diverse field of study. The curriculum for the programs draws from multiple departments primarily, but not exclusively, in the Faculty of Arts and Social Science. It will deliver a transformative learning experience that combines innovative programming with meaningful equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence.
Black and African Diaspora Studies fills an important gap in Canadian university teaching, which, traditionally, and still, focuses on ‘Western’ thinkers and theories. By contributing to the training and development of the next generation of Black Canadian, especially African Nova Scotian, scholars and researchers, these academic programs complement the work taking place in our new Black Studies Research Institute and intersect with recent and ongoing hires of Black Scholars in five faculties.
The research institute positioned Dalhousie as a national leader in Black studies and this new degree will build on that contribution. "For the first time, a university major will be teaching about the Black Canadian experience in its core courses," says Dr. Isaac Saney, program coordinator.
Providing a more inclusive experience for students
Dalhousie is uniquely positioned to enrich the Black Studies discourse. By collaborating with the historic African Nova Scotian community, whose legacies and contributions have had a significant influence on Black history in Canada, we can provide our students with incredible perspective and insight.
As the degree, minor, and certificate continue to evolve and expand, we will lead the way in offering programming that centers, uplifts, and recognizes the experiences, knowledge, and successes of underrepresented and historically underserved groups. We will not only begin to diversify what, but also how we teach, and ultimately provide a more inclusive experience for our students.