University of Virginia Library

Black Studies Program
Awaits Needed Approval

only want a basic comprehension of
the field. This course would
combine all the areas of emphasis
from history to culture.

Working with the concept of
inter-department cooperation, the
report suggests that students in
various fields be allowed to follow a
program of Afro-American studies
on an inter-departmental basis. The
report states that the combinations
of study which would be made
possible are "more than sufficient
to constitute a full and exciting
program of study."

The final recommendation is for
the institution of a graduate specialization
in the field of Black
Studies. The authors of the report
state, "We believe that the bulk of
the demand for graduate courses in
the area will come from students
pursuing a normal program in
History, English, Economics,
Antropology-Sociology,
Government and Foreign Affairs,
Religion and Psychology. Each such
student would have recognized that
there is a major gap in his mastery
of his discipline if the role of the
Afro-American is left out or not
presented in its proper context."

Subsequent to the discussion of
curriculum changes and additions,
the report enters into a discussion
of the implementation. It suggests
that eleven specialists, spread over
the whole area of studies will be
required to maintain the program.
The report further suggests that
rather than hiring the men outright,
the departments involved look for
qualified men when vacancies or
expansions occur.

A proposed schedule for the
program begins with the
implementation of the
undergraduate course next fall.
During the coming year, a Director
of the Institute and specialists
(preferably Afro-Americans themselves)
in the fields of sociology,
political science, and economics
should be found. The report further
states that a prominent contributor
to Afro-American literature be
invited as writer in residence.

Budget considerations are also
included in the proposal. The total
cost would be in the area of
$780,000, which includes the
needed faculty, research personnel,
library, and student support. Some
of these costs, especially those
relating to faculty, would be
absorbed in the present expansion
plans, leaving only the Research
Institute, library, and aid funds to
raise.

Finally the report surveys the
present University curriculum and
proposes the addition of 23 new
courses in 10 departments, all
dealing with Afro-American studies.
The report further suggests several
areas or directions in which the
research program could be aimed,
including a comparative study of
slavery in the world; a study of the
interaction of race relations and
class distinctions; the history of the
free Black man before the Civil
War; and others intended to investigate
the Black man's participation
in the world.

The Black Students for Freedom
and the other members of the Black
Community involved in the evolution
of the report are awaiting Mr.
Shannon's and the heads of the
departments. Hopefully the
comments will be directed towards
the most effective way of initiating
the program with the least possible
delay. The groups involved have
asked that Mr. Shannon and the
faculties respond by March 31, so
that further plans for initiation can
be facilitated.