Dance

Dance

dance student in the studio
Degree Type

Bachelor of Science

About

The value of a dance degree is as vast as our current society. A Dance major provides a valuable set of skills in the performing arts and humanities. Learn how to make moves—and make those moves work for you—across communities, cultures, disciplines, and professional industries. 

Introduction

Dance is so many different things. Not only an art, dance can also be a language or means of expression, a mode of inquiry, and a tool for healing. It can be an act of protest or celebration. It can be a method to honor, recognize, engage, and transform cultural traditions. Dance in an interdisciplinary medium that offers opportunities to learn skills that translate into other fields and industries.  

Embodied skills that so many employers look for can be found in the study of dance. Dancers are skilled at body awareness which can translate to strong communication and interpersonal skills. Dance is a multilayered field where artists dance, write, make films, dance in specific sites, collaborate with others, and engage their communities. Choreographers must think critically and creatively about the interplay of dancers’ bodies, music, and movements that come together to make something beautiful or thought-provoking.  Dance artists are also scholars who work between social praxis and their communities to promote and engage new work. Dance artists are important innovators of new modes of making dance performance through collaboration.

The dance program at Coppin provides dancers with a culturally diverse training program that celebrates and promotes contributions of marginalized artists of color to mainstream arts communities. We maintain an important focus on African, African American, and Caribbean forms, as well as choreographic practices, production, dance studies, and somatics. Our balanced program, asks students to contemplate and reflect on their experiences and praxis in the context of professional global contemporary dance work. 

You can choose to major or minor in Dance

Dance to a Different Beat

Approved as a program in 2009 by the University System of Maryland (USM), the Dance major focuses on technical, cultural and performance education. Our students look at the art form through a critical and creative lens in ways that prepare them for real life dance experiences. We also focus on expanding our students' understanding of dance as an art form, engaged practices, mode of healing, and as areas of interdisciplinary research and creation.

Faculty support students academically and professionally, and encourage conversation around professional opportunities in dance education, performance, and choreography. We also encourage our students to pave their own paths and study a complementary field like English, History, Drama, Urban Arts, Black Studies, Film, Global Studies, Political Science, Marketing, Arts Administration, Education, or Technology. The possibilities for interdisciplinary work are encouraged in our Liberal Arts Dance Program. 

The Program organizes masterclasses, workshops and performance opportunities, both on and off campus.

Students studying

750+ Course Options

The Coppin State University Academic Catalog has a wide variety of skill-building courses designed to inspire and prepare you to be in-demand professionals and transformational leaders.

Incoming Dance Major Requirements

Welcome to Coppin Dance! We are excited to welcome you into a program committed to preparing you for a career in dance. Here’s what every hopeful student must know before officially declaring as a dance major:

  • Incoming dance majors and minors should contact the Dance Coordinator immediately upon entering the University for a movement placement audition. This audition is required prior to registering for courses.
  • Dance majors must register for dance technique courses immediately after declaring as a dance major.
  • All dance majors must complete all major courses with a grade of C or higher.
  • Dance majors with prior movement training (i.e. dance, gymnastics, etc.) may register for 200+ level movement technique courses. Upper-level movement technique courses require a registration permission code. Contact the Dance Coordinator for more information.
  • Dance majors must also complete DANC 226 Introduction to Choreography with a grade of C or higher.

Undergraduate Courses and Program Requirements

The Dance program offers a Bachelor of Science degree requiring 120 credits for graduation. We structure classes to be relatively small so dance faculty can work closely with each student. Our broad range of movement courses include African Dance, Caribbean Dance, ballet, jazz, hip hop, yoga, somatic, and contemporary dance. Our well-rounded program engages students in dance studies, improvisation, choreographic practices, production, and opportunities to present dance work.

To graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Dance, you must complete 120 credit hours. These credit hours split among:

  • General Education Requirements, or GERs

  • Required Theory courses

  • Core Movement Technique courses

  • Dance Performance courses

  • Professional Development and Internship courses

 

Required Theory Courses (12 credits)

All dance majors must complete DANC 325 and an additional 9 credits from the following courses:

Course credits Name
DANC 130 3 Dance Education
DANC 200 3 Dance as Art and Culture
DANC 325 3 Dance History-Dance Studies
DANC 327 3 Movement Analysis
DANC 328 3 Creative Process: Theory and Practice

 

Core Movement Techniques Courses (33 credits)

Dance majors must complete 33 dance technique credits. At least 15 credits of these credits must be completed at the 300 or 400 level. Students can petition for faculty approval to register for courses aligned with prior training or level of proficiency. Students may repeat these courses for credits toward graduation up to a maximum.

Course credits Name
DANC 101 2 Pilates I
DANC 102 3 Vinyasa Yoga
DANC 116 2 Cultural Rhythms I
DANC 118 2 Improvisation
DANC 119 2 Urban Contemporary Dance
DANC 120 2 Ballet Fundamentals I
DANC 121 2 Modern Dance Fundamentals 
DANC 131 2 Authentic Movement
DANC 220 2 Ballet Fundamentals II
DANC 221 2 Modern Fundamentals II
DANC 227 3 Sacred Modern Dance I
DANC 228 3 Musical Theater and Jazz Dance
DANC 235 3 African Dance I
DANC 236 3 African Dance II
DANC 320 3 Intermediate Ballet I
DANC 321 3 Intermediate Modern Dance I
DANC 324 3 Tap Dance
DANC 440 3 Advance Ballet I
DANC 441 3 Advanced Modern Dance I

Dance Performance Courses (9 credits)

Any student, including majors and non-majors, taking a dance performance course must also register to take at least one dance technique course at the same time.   

All dance majors must complete the following courses to satisfy dance performance course requirements: 

  • DANC 425 (Professional Outreach Workshop) or DANC 426 (Dance Production)

        and 

  • 4 credits of 300-400 Dance Company courses from this list or through substitution as determined with your advisor:

Course credits Name
DANC 122 1 Dance Company I
DANC 123 1 Dance Company II
DANC 222 1 Dance Company III
DANC 223 1 Dance Company IV
DANC 322 1 Dance Company V
DANC 323 1 Dance Company VI
DANC 422 1 Dance Company VII
DANC 423 1 Dance Company VIII

Students may repeat Dance Company courses for credits toward graduation up to a maximum.

Professional Development and Internship Courses (6 credits)

All dance majors must complete these courses: 

Course credits Name
DANC 329 3 Professional Outreach 
DANC 427 3 Dance Internship

Remember! You must complete all major and prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher.

Repeat Course Policy for Dance Majors

As a dance major, you may repeat movement technique and dance company courses. You may be able to apply repeated major coursework toward graduation in accordance with our departmental policy:

  • 1 credit courses may be repeated for up to 3 credits towards graduation
  • 2 credit courses may be repeated for up to 6 credits toward graduation
  • 3 credit courses may be repeated for up to 9 credits toward graduation

Dance majors can meet upper level course requirements by repeating the following courses in accordance with departmental policy:

  • DANC 320
  • DANC 321
  • DANC 322
  • DANC 323
  • DANC 325
  • DANC 328
  • DANC 329
  • DANC 420
  • DANC 421
  • DANC 422
  • DANC 423
  • DANC 427
  • DANC 440
  • DNC 441
  • DANC 499
  • All core movement technique classes
  • All performance courses
  • All theory courses

Sample Degree Plan

Be sure to connect with your academic advisor to plan your semester courses. The plan below is just an example—your journey may have different requirements.

Fall Semester (15 credits)

Course credits name
ENGL 101 3 English Composition I
BIOL 101 4 Biological Sciences
FRSEM 101 1 Freshman Seminar
DANC 226 3 Introduction to Choreography
DANC 100-200 2 Movement Technique
DANC 100-200 1 Dance Company
DANC 499 1 Special Topics

Spring Semester (15 credits)

course credits name
ENGL 102 3 English Composition II
PHSC 103 3 Physical Science
MATH 3 Math Requirement
DANC 100-200 2 Movement Technique
DANC 1 Dance Company
MISY 150  3 Tech Fluency

Fall Semester (15 credits)

Course credits name
ECON 103 3 Intro to Business/Entrepreneurial
ART 103 3 Basic Design
DANC 205 3  
DANC 499 1 Special Topics
DANC 200-300 2 Movement Technique
DANC 200-300 2 Movement Technique
DANC 1 Dance Company

Spring Semester (15 credits)

Course credits name
WLIT 207 3 World Literature
THEA 211 3 Acting for Non-Majors 
DANC 200 3 Dance as Art and Culture
DANC 200-300 2 Movement Technique
DANC 200-300 3 Movement Technique
DANC 1 Dance Company

Fall Semester (15 credits)

Course credits name
ANTH 207 3 Cultural Anthropology
DANC 325 3 Dance History
DANC 300-400 2 Movement Technique
DANC 300-400 3 Movement Technique
DANC 1 Dance Company
DANC 3 University Elective

Spring Semester (15 credits)

course credits name
DANC 327 3 Movement Analysis
DANC 328 3 Creative Process
DANC 300-400 3 Movement Technique
DANC 300-400 3 Movement Technique
DANC 1 Dance Company
DANC 2 Dance Elective

Fall Semester (15 credits)

Course credits name
DANC 329 3 Professional Outreach
DANC 300-400 3 Movement Technique
DANC 300-400 3 Movement Technique
DANC 300-400 1 Dance Company
DANC xxx 2 Dance Elective
XXXX xxx 3 University Elective

Spring Semester (15 credits)

Course credits Name
DANC 426 3 Dance Production
DANC 427 3 Internship
DANC 3 University Elective
XXXX xxx 3 University Elective
XXXX xxx 3 University Elective

Related Humanities Programs

Dance

Undergraduate

Urban Arts

Undergraduate

African American Studies

Undergraduate

Global Studies

Undergraduate

History

Undergraduate

English

Undergraduate
College

Dance lives in the Department of Humanities in the School of Arts & Sciences within the College of Arts & Sciences, and Education.

Dance Program

Department of Humanities

Dance at Coppin State University—Where Creativity, Culture, and Community Move Together!

dancers on stage leap with arms raised

Welcome to Coppin State University’s Dance Program! A space where movement meets meaning. Our program nurtures versatile, visionary artists through rigorous training in performance, choreography, technology, and cultural studies. Grounded in the rich traditions of the African diaspora and committed to innovation, our students learn to lead, collaborate, and advocate through dance.

Whether you're aspiring to perform, teach, create, or lead in the arts, Coppin Dance prepares you to make an impact on stage, in your community, and the world.

Mission

Our mission is to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive dance education that empowers students through rigorous training in dance performance, technology, and production. We center the cultural and historical significance of dance, especially within the African diaspora, to broaden perspectives through scholarship and creative inquiry.

We are committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive community where diversity is celebrated, and dance serves as a catalyst for civic engagement, social change, and economic growth.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Master Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate skill in traditional and contemporary dance forms.
  • Understand Culture and History: Examine the cultural, historical, and political roots of dance with an emphasis on African diasporic forms.
  • Think Critically and Research Deeply: Analyze performances, texts, and traditions through scholarly inquiry and embodied practice.
  • Choreograph with Purpose: Create innovative work that reflects personal voice, cultural knowledge, and artistic expression.
  • Prepare for Professional Careers: Navigate the professional world of dance through training in entrepreneurship, education, and leadership.
  • Collaborate Across Disciplines: Integrate dance with technology and other art forms to produce collaborative, interdisciplinary projects.
  • Lead with Integrity: Commit to ethical practice, equity, and lifelong learning as artists and advocates in the global dance community.

Program Offerings

Dance

Undergraduate

Combine this with your Dance Major

Explore African American Studies
African American Studies Minor
Explore Non-Profit Management
Non-Profit Management Minor
Explore Psychology
Psychology Minor
Explore Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Certificate

Why Choose Coppin Dance?

  • Small class sizes with personalized mentorship
  • Training in studio and site-specific performance
  • Cultural immersion in African and African American dance traditions
  • Opportunities to choreograph, produce, and perform in concerts and community events
  • Access to masterclasses, internships, and interdisciplinary collaborations

Meet Our Faculty

At Coppin State University, our dance faculty are more than educators—they are practicing artists, scholars, choreographers, and community leaders who bring real-world experience and cultural depth into every classroom.

Our team is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of dancers through personalized instruction, creative collaboration, and a commitment to excellence rooted in Contemporary and Traditional forms.

Our Faculty Expertise Includes:

  • Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Ballet Techniques
  • African and African American Dance Forms
  • Dance Pedagogy and Curriculum Design
  • Choreography and Creative Research
  • Community Arts and Civic Engagement
  • Dance Technology and Production
  • Arts Administration and Leadership

Contact Us

We are a faculty of artists, educators, and scholars committed to providing our students with comprehensive and diverse core training in dance technique and research.

Adjunct faculty members: Mya Ajanku, Frances James, Carlos Miguel Ledesma, & Christina Pierangeli

Dance Coordinator & Assistant Professor

faculty

Can Help With
Information About the Dance Program and Degree Requirements
Advising on Dance Course Selection and Registration
Opportunities for Performances, Residencies, Community Partnerships, and Internships
Associate Professor

faculty

Coordinator of Partners In Education

staff

Can Help With
High Schools looking to build a partnership with the College of Business.
Community Colleges looking to build a partership with the College of Business.
Community stakeholders looking to build a partnership with the College of Business.

Guest Artists & Mentors

We regularly invite guest choreographers, alums, and industry professionals to lead masterclasses, workshops, and projects, offering our students access to a wide range of voices and perspectives in the field.

Performances & Events

Coppin dancer performance two dancers in blue jumpsuits align on stage with one leg and arms raised

Coppin’s dance program centers performance as a core part of the learning experience. Through studio-based work, mainstage concerts, and off-campus opportunities, students engage in continuous practice that refines technique and expands artistic vision.

On-campus performances include:

  • Fall Dance Concert - A showcase of course projects and original choreography
  • Spring Dance Concert - A culminating performance featuring faculty, student, and guest choreographed works
  • Studio Night Informal Showings - Informal, student-led performance labs
  • Coppin Community Events and Performances

Off-campus opportunities may include:

  • CELEBRATION: Black History Month Showcase at the Gordon Center
  • American College Dance Festival Adjudication Concert
  • Local school residencies, community festivals, and events

Apply to the Dance Program

Discover everything you need to complete your Coppin State University and Dance Program applications with ease.

Learn How to Apply

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Have questions about our Dance Program? Someone has probably already asked us! Check out what prospective students are most curious about, and if you still have questions after reviewing, reach out to us!  

No audition is required to join the Coppin Dance Program. If accepted into Coppin State University, you must declare Dance as your major or minor. 

However, to ensure proper placement in our technique classes, all incoming students must submit a Dance Placement Video before the start of their first semester.

While you do have to be admitted before you can register for courses, you don’t have to wait until you’re admitted to chat with the Dance Program Coordinator! You are welcome to schedule a conversation anytime during your application or admission process to chat about your career goals, program criteria, or other related topics.

At the beginning of the semester, each instructor communicates with students about any required attire for courses.

Our dance studio can accommodate 15-20 students in a movement class.

While we do not currently have a dedicated drummer on staff, when possible, we work to incorporate live drumming into classes to enhance the learning experience.

Yes! We are the proud home of the Coppin State University Dance Ensemble. Auditions are open at the start of every semester. To be eligible to join, be sure you’re registered for at least 1 dance technique course.

The Dance Ensemble sponsors masterclasses and workshops throughout the year, and an artists-in-residence program for visiting artists working in dance and technology. 

Coppin State University Recognized for Top Adult Programs for 2021

Writing Center

student doing math on chalkboard

Math Center

Get peer and professional help for all kinds of math problems.

College

The Dance Program lives in the Department of Humanities in the School of Arts & Sciences within the College of Arts & Sciences, and Education.

Urban Arts

Urban Arts

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science

About

Revitalize and enrich urban communities with art you create and art you inspire.  

Introduction

Where we choose to live, or where we must live, can say a lot about the resources we have access to. The pace of development in cities and urban areas can lead to destruction of green spaces, neglect of buildings from bygone eras, or even overcrowding due to lack of resources. In contrast, suburban areas promote plentiful clean air spaces, cultural amenities and activities that may not be available to urbanized populations.  

Politics and policies have taught us that all neighborhoods and communities are not created equal. We know this discrepancy exists, but what can we do? Urban arts is the study of how to use art, as well as other humanities and social science disciplines to transform urban communities, neighborhoods, and the lives of people who live there. Urban artists use research, policy, and the creative process to affect economic and community change by reshaping and rebuilding the physical spaces around us. 

Choose one of 3 urban arts concentrations: 

  • Arts administration 

  • Theater 

  • Visual arts 

Regardless of your chosen concentration, our urban arts degree empowers students to use the creative process in building and improving communities through the arts.   

Create, Inspire, and Engage Communities

With exposure to an interdisciplinary curriculum, you’ll learn how to create, present, respond, and connect your ideas to communities across visual and performing arts mediums. You’ll learn how to: 

  • Research, organize, and develop artistic ideas and work 

  • Create and refine artistic works with relevance to audience and/or location 

  • Analyze, interpret, and curate artistic selections for public presentation and community engagement 

  • Develop and refine artistic presentations to align with relevant urban issues 

  • Perceive, analyze, and interpret meaning of artistic work 

  • Identify and use environmental resources to create masterworks 

  • Inform the creative process with personal knowledge and experience 

  • Make meaningful connections between ideas and works with other contexts 

In addition to those learning outcomes listed above, students pursuing the arts administration concentration, also learn how to: 

  • Communicate and engage in groups, as team member and manager 

  • Connect and communicate value of artistic ideas and works to other industries, like business  

This interdisciplinary program pulls from visual and performing arts, communication, economics, and urban sociology to prepare students to meaningfully engage in planning and redevelopment of urban areas. We lay the foundation for students to join community organizations that sponsor, create, exhibit, perform, and share visual and performing arts programming to improve urban environments, as well as inspire their residents. 

Students studying

750+ Course Options

The Coppin State University Academic Catalog has a wide variety of skill-building courses designed to inspire and prepare you to be in-demand professionals and transformational leaders.

Program Requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Urban Arts, students must complete 120 credit hours. These credit hours split among: 

  • General Education Requirements (GERs)  

  • General electives  

  • Major courses 

  • Concentration requirements 

Core Courses (6 credits)

Urban arts majors must take 6 core courses. The remaining requirements may vary by concentration. 

CoursecreditsName
IDIS 1033Visual Art and Theatre
SPCH 2053Intercultural Communication
IDIS 2703Introduction to Urban Arts
IDIS 3003Fundraising for the Arts
IDIS 4703Senior Seminar in Urban Arts*
SOCI 4063Sociology of the City

*Capstone course for all Urban Arts majors

Remember! You must complete all major and prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher.

How to Choose a Concentration

All Urban Arts majors are welcome to choose a concentration. We recommend you tell the department as soon as possible, so we can assign an advisor to help you design your course schedule based on your different concentration requirements. 

Remember, you must earn a grade of C or higher in any courses required for the Urban Arts major—that includes your concentration courses as well. 

Each section below details the specific concentration requirements. 

Arts Administration Concentration Courses

This concentration requires 33 credits.

CoursecreditsName
 3Any Studio Course in Visual Arts
 3Any Studio Course in Dance, Music, and Theatre
 3Any Studio Course in Discipline Not Yet Taken

ART 312

or

THEA 380

3

 

3

Museum/Collections Management

or

Theatre Management

ENGL 3053Advanced Expository Writing
THEA 3023Stagecraft I
ECON 2123Microeconomics
ENMGT 3553Entertainment Law
MGMT 3203Principles of Management
MKTG 3103Marketing for Managers
Internship 3DANCE or MUSC or ART or THEA 420

Theatre Concentration Courses

This 33-credit concentration prepares students for careers in the theater arts and related performing arts spaces.  

Learn more about the Theatre concentration

CoursecreditsName
THEA 2153Acting I for Majors
THEA 3013History of the Black Performer
THEA 3023Stagecraft I
THEA 3033Stagecraft II
THEA 3153Acting II: Scene Study
THEA 3203Principles of Play Direction
THEA 3513Theatre History I
THEA 3523Theatre History II
THEA 3703Playwriting I
THEA 3803Theatre Management
THEA 4153Acting III: Periods and Styles

Required Concentration Courses

This concentration requires 27 credits.  

CoursecreditsName
ART 1033Basic Design
ART 1053Introduction to Ceramic Sculpture
ART 2083Basic Drawing
ART 2103Life Drawing
ART 3123Museum and Collection Management
ART 4013Survey of Art History 
ART 40x3African American Art or Arts of Africa 
ART 3xx3Painting I or Ceramics II or Photojournalism or Special Project Design or Digital Photography or Ceramics Workshop
ART 3xx3Painting I or Ceramics II or Photojournalism or Special Project Design or Digital Photography or Ceramics Workshop

Related Programs

Global Studies

Undergraduate

History

Undergraduate

English

Undergraduate

Dance

Undergraduate

African American Studies

Undergraduate

Minor in History

Minor in History

Degree Type

Minor

About

Learning about the past always adds value to where you want to take your future. 

Introduction

Why minor in History?

In a world so focused on science and technology, what’s the demand for a liberal arts degree like history? A history degree isn’t only about learning the facts about major societal events or ancient civilizations. It’s also about teaching you to think critically, creatively, and even empathetically about the context, the cultures, and the conflicts that inspired those events, civilizations, and ultimately—your life today.  

You can choose to minor or major in History

Minor Requirements

To graduate with a minor in History, students must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours with a grade of “C’ or better in each minor course. You may choose from pre-approved courses or petition the History Department to consider additional courses. Approved courses include:

Survey Courses (6 credits)

COURSE NAME
HIST 201 World History I
HIST 202 World History II
OR
HIST 203 U.S. History I
HIST 204 U.S. History II
OR
HIST 205 African American History I
HIST 206 African American History II

Upper Level Electives (12 credits)

All history minors must complete 12 hours in 300 and 400 level courses, as discussed with departmental advisor.

Students studying

750+ Course Options

The Coppin State University Academic Catalog has a wide variety of skill-building courses designed to inspire and prepare you to be in-demand professionals and transformational leaders.

Related Programs

Global Studies

Undergraduate

English

Undergraduate

Dance

Undergraduate

History

Undergraduate

Urban Arts

Undergraduate

African American Studies

Undergraduate

History

History

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science

About

Learning about the past always adds value to where you want to take your future.  

Introduction

In a world so focused on science and technology, what’s the demand for a liberal arts degree like history? A history degree isn’t only about learning the facts about major societal events or ancient civilizations. It’s also about teaching you to think critically, creatively, and even empathetically about the context, the cultures, and the conflicts that inspired those events, civilizations, and ultimately—your life today.

You can choose to major or minor in History.

You’ll learn how to: 

  • Think critically about American history 

  • Appreciate African Americans’ contributions to the development of American society 

  • Value history and culture of other countries 

  • Analyze, synthesize, and interpret historical events 

  • Understand the impact of the past on the present 

  • Use research methods to collect, analyze, and evaluate historical data

Study the Past, Change the Future

Choose 1 of 4 history concentrations: 

  • African American history 

  • African history 

  • History/social studies education 

  • United States history 

Regardless of your chosen concentration, our history degree prepares you for graduate or professional school, teaching, or any other career with research or analytical responsibilities. Students interested in a specific concentration should notify their advisor as early as possible, so the department can assign an advisor.

Students studying

750+ Course Options

The Coppin State University Academic Catalog has a wide variety of skill-building courses designed to inspire and prepare you to be in-demand professionals and transformational leaders.

Program Requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Science in History, you must complete 120 credit hours. These credit hours split among:

General Education Requirements (12 credits)

All history majors must take a pair of GER courses for 6 credits. Choose from the following groups:

CourseName
HIST 201World History I
HIST 202World History II
OR
HIST 203U.S. History I
HIST 204U.S. History II
OR
HIST 205African American History I
HIST 206African American History II

Note: Students may not mix courses from different groups.

Remember! You must complete all major and prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher.

How to Choose a Concentration

All history majors may choose a concentration, if desired. We recommend you tell the department as soon as possible, so we can assign an advisor to help you design your course schedule based on your different concentration requirements. 

Each concentration has the same section requirements: 

  • Survey courses 

  • Upper level courses

  • Departmental electives 

Remember, you must earn a grade of C or higher in any courses required for the history major—and that includes your concentration courses as well. 

Each section below details the specific concentration requirements. 

African History Concentration

This concentration requires 36 credits.

In addition to GER requirements, African history majors must also take 6 more survey credit hours from the following options. 

Course   Name
HIST 201   World History I
HIST 202   World History II
  OR  
HIST 203   U.S. History I
HIST 204   U.S. History II
  OR  
HIST 205   African American History I
HIST 206   African American History II

African history majors must also take the following courses: 

Course   Name
HIST 207   Introduction to Africa
HIST 315   Modern Africa
HIST 440   Seminar in African History
HIST 423   Methods of Historical Research
GEOG 101   Elements of Geography
  OR  
GEOG 102   World Regional Geography

African history majors must also take at least 15 departmental electives, across concentration electives, support electives, and geography electives. Students may also take electives not included on this list, but must first get departmental approval. 

Concentration Electives (6 credits)

Course Name
HIST 313 Ancient Africa
HIST 405 History of Latin America
HIST 430 History of West Africa
HIST 432 History of Central Africa
HIST 436 History of South Africa
HIST 438 History of East Africa
HIST 442 Special Topics in History

 

Support Electives (6 credits)

Course Name
HIST 304 Problems I
HIST 305 Problems II
HIST 354 Modern Civil Rights
HIST 404 Modern Asia
HIST 407 U.S. Foreign Policy
HIST 410 Europe I
HIST 411 Europe II
HIST 426 History of the Middle East
HIST 442 Special Topics in History
HIST 450 Seminar in Global Studies

 

Geography Electives (3 credits)

Course Name
GEOG 101 Elements of Geography
GEOG 102 World Regional Geography
GEOG 302 North American Geography
GEOG 303 Tools and Technology 
GEOG 304 Latin America
GEOG 306 Urban Geography
GEOG 402 Political Geography
GEOG 405 Geography of Africa

African-American History Concentration

This concentration requires 36 credits.

In addition to GER requirements (HIST 201/202 or HIST 203/204), African American history majors must also take 6 more survey credit hours. 

Course   Name
HIST 205   African American History I
HIST 206   African American History II

African American history majors must also take the following courses: 

Course   Name
HIST 420   Seminar in African-American History
HIST 423   Methods of Historical Research
GEOG 101   Elements of Geography
  OR  
GEOG 102   World Regional Geography

African American history majors must also take at least 21 departmental electives, across concentration electives, support electives, and geography electives. Students may also take electives not included on this list, but must first get departmental approval. 

Concentration Electives (9 credits)

Course   Name
HIST 207   Introduction to Africa
  OR  
HIST 304   Problems I
HIST 430   History of West Africa
  OR  
HIST 305   Problems II
HIST 318   African Americans in Cities
HIST 348   African American Women
HIST 350   African American Intellectual History
HIST 354   Modern Civil Rights Movement
HIST 393   Civil War and Reconstruction
HIST 442   Special Topics in History

 

Support Electives (9 credits)

Course Name
HIST 301 History of Maryland
HIST 304 Problems I
HIST 305 Problems II
HIST 313 Ancient Africa
HIST 315 Modern Africa
HIST 319 Urban America
HIST 405 Latin America
HIST 407 U.S. Foreign Policy
HIST 410 Europe I
HIST 411 Europe II
HIST 428 History of Women
HIST 442 Special Topics in History
HIST 450 Seminar in Global Studies

 

Geography Electives (3 credits)

Course Name
GEOG 101 Elements of Geography
GEOG 102 World Regional Geography
GEOG 202 Geography of Maryland
GEOG 302 North American Geography
GEOG 303 Tools and Technology 
GEOG 306 Urban Geography
GEOG 405 Geography of Africa

United States History Concentration

This concentration requires 36 credits.

In addition to GER requirements (HIST 201/202 or HIST 205/206), U.S. history majors must also take 6 more survey credit hours from the following options. 

Course   Name
HIST 203   U.S. History I
HIST 204   U.S. History II

U.S. history majors must also take the following courses: 

Course   Name
HIST 422   Seminar in American History
HIST 423   Methods of Historical Research
GEOG 101   Elements of Geography
  OR  
GEOG 102   World Regional Geography

U.S. history majors must also take at least 21 departmental electives, across concentration electives, support electives, and geography electives. Students may also take electives not included on this list, but must first get departmental approval. 

Concentration Electives (9 credits)

Course Name
HIST 301 History of Maryland
HIST 304 Problems I
HIST 305 Problems II
HIST 319 Urban America
HIST 354 Modern Civil Rights Movement
HIST 393 Civil War and Reconstruction
HIST 407 U.S. Foreign Policy
HIST 428 History of Women
HIST 442 Special Topics in History

 

Support Electives (9 credits)

Course Name
HIST 318 African Americans in Cities
HIST 350 African American Intellectual History
HIST 405 Latin America
HIST 406 Russia
HIST 410 Europe I
HIST 411 Europe II
HIST 424 Internship
HIST 430 West Africa
MNSC Economic History of U.S.

 

Geography Electives (3 credits)

Course Name
GEOG 202 Geography of Maryland
GEOG 302 North American Geography
GEOG 303 Tools and Technology 
GEOG 306 Urban Geography
GEOG 342 Political Geography

Related Programs

Global Studies

Undergraduate

History

Undergraduate

English

Undergraduate

Dance

Undergraduate

Urban Arts

Undergraduate

African American Studies

Undergraduate

Minor in African-American Studies

Minor in African-American Studies

Degree Type

Minor

About

African American voices have made untold contributions to American and global history. Learn them, so you can learn from them.

Minor Requirements

To graduate with a minor in African-American studies, students must complete 21 interdisciplinary credit hours with a grade of “C’ or better in each minor course. Students may choose from pre-approved courses or may petition the History Department to consider additional courses. Approved courses include:   

Course Name
ART 403 Black American Art

ART 404

African Art

ENGL 335 Literature of the Black American I
ENGL 336 Literature of the Black American II
GEOG 102 World Regional Geography
GEOG 306 Urban Geography
GEOG 405 Geography of Africa
HIST 205 African American History I
HIST 206 African American History II
HIST 207 Introduction to African History
HIST 305 Problems in American History, 1867
HIST 313 History of Ancient Africa
HIST 315 Modern Africa
HIST 318 History of Blacks in American Cities
HIST 350 African American Intellectual History
HIST 354 Modern Civil Rights Movement
HIST 420 Seminar in African American History
HIST 430 History of West Africa
HIST 432 History of Central Africa
HIST 436 History of South Africa
HIST 438 History of East Africa
HIST 440 Seminar in African History
HIST 442 Special Topics in History
MUSC 305 Music of the African-American
POSC 412 Black Political Behavior
THEA 301 History of the Black Performer
Students studying

750+ Course Options

The Coppin State University Academic Catalog has a wide variety of skill-building courses designed to inspire and prepare you to be in-demand professionals and transformational leaders.

Related Programs

Global Studies

Undergraduate

English

Undergraduate

Dance

Undergraduate

History

Undergraduate

Urban Arts

Undergraduate
College

African-American Studies is in the Department of Humanities in the School of Arts & Sciences in the College of Arts & Sciences, and Education.

Minor in Global Studies

Minor in Global Studies

Degree Type

Minor

About

You want to travel the world—start with our Global Studies degree to get there. 

Introduction

Why minor in Global Studies?

The Global Studies program has several key objectives that inform learning outcomes:  

  • To redefine the United States as a member of the world community, rather than a singularly major power
  • To expose students to similarities and differences among global cultures
  • To provide experiences that broaden students’ ideas, knowledge, and perspective about international events and global issues 

Coursework in history, political science, economics, literature, and sociology create a strong foundation in critical analysis for you to develop and challenge new ideas. You’ll also have access to lectures, workshops, field experiences, and travel-abroad programs designed to foster learning opportunities well beyond the classroom.  

You can also major in Global Studies.

Minor Requirements

In additional to minor courses, lectures and workshops on important international themes and topics are crucial to gaining a foundational understanding of global trends. To satisfy minor requirements, you must earn a grade of C or better in each of the minor courses: 

Course Name
GEOG 102 World Regional Geography

WLIT 203

World Literature I

OR
WLIT 204 World Literature II
SOCI 201 Introduction to Sociology
POSC 303 Comparative Government
ECON 402 Comparative Economic Systems
PHIL 414 Social and Political Philosophy
AND
HIST 451 Seminar in Global Studies

Study Abroad Opportunities

We encourage students studying Global Studies to broaden their global thoughts and perspectives through field experiences and/or study abroad trips to foreign nations. Any students interested in travel study should reach out to the Study Abroad Coordinator to learn more about the structured and academically meaningfully experiences of traveling and studying in another country.

Students studying

750+ Course Options

The Coppin State University Academic Catalog has a wide variety of skill-building courses designed to inspire and prepare you to be in-demand professionals and transformational leaders.

Related Programs

Global Studies

Undergraduate

English

Undergraduate

Dance

Undergraduate

History

Undergraduate

Urban Arts

Undergraduate

African American Studies

Undergraduate
College

Global Studies is in the Department of Humanities in the College of Arts & Sciences, and Education.

Global Studies

Global Studies

Degree Type

Bachelor of Arts

About

You want to travel the world—start here with our Global Studies degree to get there.    

Introduction

Global Change Starts With You

When you experience the world beyond what you’re used to, it can change you for the better. Learn about other countries, cultures, governments, and infrastructures, and prepare for a range of international career opportunities in this innovative and interdisciplinary program. Through our program, we encourage students to get excited about study abroad opportunities.

You can choose to major or minor in Global Studies

The Global Studies program focuses on learning outcomes across 4 key areas:

  • Recognizing global perspectives
  • Analyzing global affairs
  • Communicating ideas
  • Learning a second language

Specifically, you’ll learn how to: 

  • Identify and describe global cultures and societies 

  • Describe and analyze global economies and political systems, foreign policies, and their philosophical foundations 

  • Conduct authoritative research 

  • Prepare written and oral compelling arguments about global affairs 

  • Communicate in a second language at an intermediate level   

Go beyond the classroom with a Global Studies degree. Learn about international study abroad and internship opportunities, and prepare for a career in foreign affairs, intelligence, health, development, law, and social services.  

Students studying

750+ Course Options

The Coppin State University Academic Catalog has a wide variety of skill-building courses designed to inspire and prepare you to be in-demand professionals and transformational leaders.

Program Requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies, students must complete 120 credit hours. These credit hours split among:

 

College Requirements (12 credits)

CourseCreditsName
HIST 2013World History I
HIST 2023World History II
WLIT 2073World Literature
GEOG 1023World Regional Geography

 

Core Courses (33 credits)

CoursecreditsName
WLIT 3863Modern Literature: Africa, Asia, Latin America
GLST 3013Introduction to Global Studies
BUSI 3203International Business
PHIL 314 Social and Political Philosophy

HIST 300

or

ENGL 305

3

 

3

Research Methods

or

Advanced Expository Writing

HIST 4073U.S. Foreign Policy
POSC 4043International Relations
GEOG 4023Political Geography
HIST 3153History of Africa
HIST 4053History of Latin America
HIST 4xx3

History of Asia (HIST 404)

or

History of Europe (HIST 411)

or

History of the Middle East (HIST 426)

 

Foreign Language Requirements (3-12 credits)

You may need to take anywhere from 3-12 credits depending on your language placement results or transfer credits.  

CourseCreditsName
FOLA 1013Foreign Language I
FOLA 1023Foreign Language II
FOLA 2013Intermediate Foreign Language I
FOLA 2023Intermediate Foreign Language II

 

Capstone Requirements (3 credits)

CourseCreditsName
GLST 4503Global Studies Seminar

Remember! You must complete all major and prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher.

Related Programs

Global Studies

Undergraduate

History

Undergraduate

English

Undergraduate

Dance

Undergraduate

Urban Arts

Undergraduate

African American Studies

Undergraduate

Minor in English

Minor in English

Degree Type

Minor

About

Learn from classic and contemporary stories to gain the skills you need to write your own way.

Introduction

Why minor in English?

Writing and analytical skills never go out of style, and are always in demand. Broaden your perspective—and your skills—with 18 credits across literary, language, sociolinguistics, and a wealth of other advanced electives. 

You can also major in English.

Minor Requirements

To graduate with a minor in English, students must complete 18 credit hours with a grade of “C’ or better in each minor course:

Course Credits Name
ENGL 210 3 Literary Genres

ENGL 301

or

ENGL 302

3

 

3

The Nature of Language

or

Sociolinguistics 

ENGL 3xx and 4xx 12 Level 300 and 400 Electives
Students studying

750+ Course Options

The Coppin State University Academic Catalog has a wide variety of skill-building courses designed to inspire and prepare you to be in-demand professionals and transformational leaders.

Related Programs

English

Undergraduate

Dance

Undergraduate

History

Undergraduate

Global Studies

Undergraduate

Urban Arts

Undergraduate

African American Studies

Undergraduate

English

English

Degree Type

Bachelor of Arts

About

Learn from classic and contemporary stories to gain the skills you need to write your own way.

Introduction

An English degree is a liberal arts degree that focuses on developing strong reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking skills. Reading, research and analysis of journalistic, media, and literary pieces provide opportunities to learn transferable soft skills valuable to any career in any industry.

You can choose to major or minor in English.

Be the Author of Your Own Story

You'll learn from a firm English and liberal arts curriculum and graduate ready to pursue graduate or professional school, or a wide variety of careers in media, law, education, politics, creative writing, or public relations, among others.

Program Requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in English, students must complete 120 credit hours. These credit hours split among:

Core English Courses

All English majors must successfully complete all core courses regardless of concentration.

Literature in History (9 credits)

  • ENGL 201 British Literature I or ENGL 202 British Literature II
  • ENGL 205 American Literature I
  • ENGL 206 American Literature II

Critical Methods (6 credits)

  • ENGL 208 Critical Writing
  • ENGL 210 Introduction to Literary Genres

African-American Literature (6 credits)

  • ENGL 235 Literature of the Black American I or ENGL 236 Literature of the Black American II
  • ENGL 338 Studies in Black American Literature

Upper-Level Writing (3 credits)

  • ENGL 305 Advanced Expository Writing or ENGL 307 Technical Writing or 300-level Creative Writing (CRWR) or Journalism (JRNL) course

Program Electives (12 credits)

  • At least four 300-level English (ENGL), Creative Writing (CRWR), Philosophy (PHIL), Journalism (JRNL), or World Literature (WLIT)

Bachelor of Arts Requirements (9 credits)

  • 300-level Philosophy (PHIL)
  • At least two 200-level Spanish (SPAN), French (FREN) or Latin (LATN) or WLIT 207 World Literature Ancient to Post-Modern plus WLIT 386 Modern Literature: Africa, Asia, and Latin America or SPAN 303 Survey of Spanish Literature I or SPAN 304 Survey of Spanish Literature II

Capstone Assignment & Senior Colloquium (3 credits)

  • ENGL 496 Senior Colloquium 

Remember! You must complete all major and prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher.

Additional Requirements

  • English majors must successfully complete all core courses with a C grade or higher.
  • English majors must earn a C grade or higher in a GER Philosophy course.
  • English majors must pass the Departmental Assessment, which is a capstone thesis paper.
  • Students who earn two or more grades below C in any single semester in Core English Courses may not be allowed to continue as English majors.

How to Stay an English Major

We strongly recommend you continuously work with your academic advisor through your program journey. Here are some important things you need to know about how to stay an English major in good academic standing:

  • Complete all major and minor courses with a C or better.
  • Maintain a cumulative 2.5 grade point average (GPA) in major courses and non-major courses taken to satisfy English major requirements.

Please note, students who receive 2 or more grades below C in any 1 semester in major courses and program non-major courses are not allowed to continue as English majors.

 

Sample Degree Plan

Be sure to connect with your academic advisor to plan your semester courses. The plan below is just an example—your journey may have different requirements.

Fall Semester

Course

Name

FRESEM 101

Freshman Seminar

ENGL 101

English Composition I

SOCI 201

Introduction to Sociology

MATH 110

College Algebra

HIST 203

U.S. History I

PHIL 102

Introduction to Logic

Spring Semester

course

Name

ENGL 102

English Composition II

BIOL 101

Biological Science

SPCH 105

Speech Communication

MISY 150

Technology Fluency

HIST 204

U.S. History II

Fall Semester

Course

Name

ECON 103

Introduction to Business and Economics

PHSC 103

Technology and Human Affairs

WLIT 207

World Literature Ancient to Post-Modern

ENGL 205

American Literature I

ENGL 208

Critical Writing

Spring Semester

Course

Name

ENGL 202

British Literature II

ENGL 206

American Literature II

ENGL 210

Literary Genres

IDIS 102

Music and Dance

GEOG 102

World Regional Geography

Fall Semester

Course

Name

HIST 205

African American History I

ENGL 235

Literature of the Black American I

ENGL 305

Advanced Expository Writing

HEED 101

Personal Health

ANTH 207

Cultural Anthropology

Spring Semester

Course

Name

ENGL 307

Technical Writing

ENGL 338

Studies in Black American Literature

ENGL 391

Special Topics: Hip Hop Women

SPAN 304

Survey of Spanish Literature II

PSYC 201

General Psychology

Fall Semester

Course

name

CRWR 303

Creative Writing

ENGL 240

Introduction to Film

ENGL 392

Special Topic: Black Creators and New Media

PHIL 3XX

Upper-level Philosophy

ART 103

Basic Design

Spring Semester

Course

Name

ENGL 496

Senior Colloquium

DANC 226

Fundamentals of Choreography

MUSC 201

Survey of Jazz Music

THEA 211

Acting for Non-Majors

POSC 201

Introduction to Political Science

Related Programs

English

Undergraduate

Dance

Undergraduate

History

Undergraduate

Global Studies

Undergraduate

Urban Arts

Undergraduate

African American Studies

Undergraduate
College

English lives in the Department of Humanities in the School of Arts & Sciences within the College of Arts & Sciences, and Education.