Black World Studies (BWS) is the study, research, interpretation, and the dissemination of knowledge concerning African American, African, and Caribbean affairs and culture. Using the tools of the social sciences and humanities, Black World Studies examines the structure, organization, problems, and perspectives of Blacks in Africa and the African Diaspora. The program also stresses analytical interpretations and policy prescriptions for social change in African American communities and various Caribbean and African nations. Black World Studies recognizes the centrality of Africans and Africa in the making of the modern world. The program, which centers on the African Diaspora, provides an analytical perspective that facilitates the development of both problem solving and reflection associated with critical thinking.<br><br>Both critical and corrective of the inadequacies, omissions, and distortions of mainstream American education leading into the 21st century, Black World Studies is committed to providing its students with a challenging, engaging, and sound program.<br><br>In addition to Global Miami Plan courses, BWS majors take courses in four broad areas of the program: Africa, Brazil, or the Caribbean, black culture, African Americans, and Africa and the Diaspora. With these classes, you will develop an awareness and appreciation of the social, political, and cultural diversity of the black world. You'll also be able to recognize, evaluate, and analyze the historic, artistic, scientific, and humanitarian contributions of Africans, individually and collectively, to the world. Because the program offers courses in so many different areas, you can design a course of study that addresses your individual interests.