Black Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that examines the history, politics, and cultural production of persons of African descent both locally and globally. Courses in the major consider the United States, Africa, and the global dispersal of persons of African descent, including the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe. The department has strong links to community organizations and social movements in Chicago, across the United States, and internationally. Students are encouraged to use their training to address "real world" problems and conflicts. Black Studies offers a liberal arts education that develops skills in critical thinking, research methods, theory building, analysis, and written and oral expression.<br><br>Black Studies was born of struggle—its legacy stems from Black intellectual labors in the nineteenth and early 20th centuries, and its formation was part of the post-World War II black freedom movements. Student protest and advocacy played a critical role in establishing the field. Today our award-winning faculty continue the tradition of placing Black people at the center of their scholarship as they seek to produce new knowledge and innovative research for the liberation of all aggrieved people.<br><br>Our energetic students and dedicated faculty work together on endeavors both within and beyond the classroom including original research projects, community-based art exhibitions, or advocacy and policy-making for social change. We encourage our students to explore their academic interests and career goals by using the methods and ideas that come from the field of Black Studies. With UIC’s location in the heart of Chicago and our commitment to working with community partners on real-world concerns, our department offers unparalleled opportunities for learning about race, class, gender, and the Black experience.