Black and African Diaspora Studies in the Canadian Context (Minor, Cert)

Black histories in Canada have traditionally been underrepresented in school curriculum. Black and African Diaspora Studies in the Canadian Context aims to change this, introducing students to the historical and contemporary Black presence in Canada, its challenges and lived experiences. Using an interdisciplinary approach, these programs contextualize Blackness through its local and global histories, cultures, experiences and diasporic connectivity.

Black Studies is a holistic field located at the intersections of sociology, philosophy, literature, history, media studies, visual and performing arts, geography and more. These studies interrogate the concept of race and grapple with discrepant understandings of Blackness, engage with global and local perspectives on colonialism and racial injustice, and draw intersectional connections between race, sex, gender and class as forms of identity and social determination. 

This unique minor and certificate draw their curriculum from the Faculty of Fine Arts and the Faculty of Arts and Science. Completing them will allow you to enhance your foundational studies and critical thinking abilities with knowledge and methods of Black cultures in the Canadian context. 

Program options

• Minor in Black and African Diaspora Studies in the Canadian Context (24 credits)

The minor must be combined with an honours, specialization or major program. In addition to the courses listed in the undergraduate calendar, students will have the flexibility of choosing from a list of some additional Special Topic courses that align with the learning outcomes of the program, in consultation with the Program Director.

• Certificate in Black and African Diaspora Studies in the Canadian Context (30 credits)

Courses

Certificate: Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements 

• Quebec CEGEP: DEC
  • Additional information for CEGEP applicants
• High School: C+
  • ACT or SAT is NOT required 
  • Canadian curricula course requirements
  • Accepted international qualifications
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26
• International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP): 4.3/7
  • Additional Career-related Programme (CP) course requirements
• Baccalauréat français: 11
• British system of education (GCE):
  • A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD or
  • AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
  • BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
  • Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
• University Transfers (internal/external): C

Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.

Minor

To apply for the minor, please complete the motivation questionnaire.

Contact us

Do you have more questions? Don't hesitate to reach out: blstcc.assistant@concordia.ca

Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.

Due to the interdisciplinary approach of the Black and African Diaspora Studies minor and certificate, you'll graduate with a depth of knowledge informed by an understanding of how your subject connects to the wider world, including: 

• A better understanding of the realities of Black and African diasporic experiences in Canada and the contributions of those communities to Canadian society
• Stronger ability to recognize and confront issues of social & racial in/justice
• Applicable critical and analytic tools for interdisciplinary and intersectional approaches to the study of Black lives