'It just opens your eyes up': The impact of African American Studies courses on students in a university setting

The purpose of my dissertation was to investigate students' attitudes and perceptions of African American Studies courses. Specifically: (1) What factors influence student enrollment in African American Studies courses? (2) What impact do African American Studies courses have on students' academic and social worldview?;A random sample of 35 students was taken from a population of over 180 students who had enrolled in the Introduction to African American Studies course during the past six semesters. These students were given a survey instrument that investigated their personal experiences in African American Studies courses. Also, students were observed in an Introduction to African American Studies course during the fall semester. Nine students were randomly selected from this course to participate in an interview to discern their attitudes and perceptions of African American Studies courses.;Findings indicate that the majority of students enrolled in African American Studies courses because of their interest in African and African American history, and culture. However, students' prior familial and educational experiences influenced their attitudes and perceptions regarding African American Studies courses. Secondly, many students appreciated the high expectations, passion, and care and concern that they experienced in African American Studies classes. Finally, it was this passion on the part of many faculty members that encouraged students to work towards changing themselves and their communities. In addition, this passion also encouraged many students to openly challenge family, friends, and other professors, regarding any lies and inequities.;This dissertation has implications not only for African American Studies, but also for higher education. As faculty, we should strive to create an atmosphere in our classrooms where students feel comfortable in challenging themselves and the professor. We should work to provide our students with the skills and expertise necessary for them to become change agents to challenge social inequity. In addition, we should conduct more research that focuses on the attitudes and perceptions of students as a way to evaluate our teaching practices in African American Studies on other fields of study.