Black Studies Minor Added for Fall 2011

Black Studies Minor Added for Fall 2011This fall, Trinity’s new Black Studies minor will give students the opportunity to explore the global experience of people of African descent through history, literature, music, politics, psychology, and sociology.

By adding this minor to the academic program, Trinity is helping to lead the effort toward diversity in Christian higher education and in the Chicago area. The College is one of five members of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and one of 18 local colleges to offer such a program.

The idea for the program came to Dr. David Brodnax, associate professor of history, while driving to campus. “Being a person of faith, I would say it was divine inspiration,” said Brodnax.

That moment of inspiration led to discussions with colleagues and a proposal for an interdisciplinary minor that combines classes from five other departments, including one new course, Jazz History.

The Black Studies program will benefit the College by increasing students’ knowledge of black culture, helping them develop their ability to view the world from multiple perspectives, and further enabling Trinity to carry out its commitment to diversity.

Over the last few years, the enrollment in courses such as African American history, African history, and black cinema has included students from various racial backgrounds and academic programs. Brodnax anticipates that the Black Studies minor will see the same level of diversity in its participants.

For more information, contact Dr. Brodnax at david.brodnax@trnty.edu or 708.239.4748.