UofL's thinker statue from the side with the sky in the background. Trees on campus can be seen in the background as well as…

Black Performance Studies (Minor)

Become an expert in the rich study of Black performance and culture. Open to any student interested in theatre, music, literature or history, this minor develops critical thinking, creative expression and cultural insight through hands-on courses and research.
Type: Minor
Format: In-Person
Credit Hours: 21
College: College of Arts and Sciences
Apply Now
Visit

The Black Performance Studies minor blends theatre, literature, music and history to explore African-American and Pan-African performance traditions. Students take core courses, choose electives in performance and cultural analysis, and engage in research or independent study. The program equips students with practical skills and global perspectives for careers in arts, education and community engagement.

This program was approved for students entering the university in the Summer 2025-Spring 2026 catalog year. For more information about catalog year, go to Catalog Year Information.

Minor in Black Performance Studies
Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (AS)
Departments:  Theatre Arts and Pan-African Studies
Academic Plan Code(s): BPS_MINOR

Program Requirements

PAS 210Introduction to Pan-African Literature - AH, P23
TA 326/PAS 355Cultural Diversity in Performance - AH, P13
TA 365/PAS 315Theatre of the African World - AH, P23
Select one of the following courses:3
PAS 319
African-American History I
PAS 329
Slave Trade and Slavery
PAS 394
African History Since 1800 - P2, SBH
Select three courses from the following list:9
TA 322/PAS 353
Acting the Black Experience - AH, P1
TA 357
Introduction to Hip-Hop Theatre - AH, P1, WR
TA 363/PAS 350
African-American Women in Theatre - AH, P1, WR
TA 366/PAS 356
History of the African-American Theatre - AH, P1, WR
TA/PAS 367
Black Dramatic Literature - AH, P1
TA 423
Directing the Black Experience
TA 455
Independent Study
or PAS 390
 Independent Study
PAS/MUH 214
African-American Music - AH, P1
PAS/MUH 218
Survey of American Jazz - AH, P1
PAS 342
Black Women Novelists - AH, P2, WR
PAS 381/ARTH 341
African Art: A Survey
PAS 385
Women in Africa: Historical and Literary Perspective
Minimum Total Hours21

At least three (3) semester hours of the requirements for a minor must be successfully completed while enrolled in the University of Louisville.