Bachelor of Arts in African American Vernacular English (AAVE)

Exploring the History, Structure, and Cultural Significance of AAVE

  • Program Overview

    The Bachelor of Arts in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) provides an in-depth study of this dynamic and culturally rich linguistic system. Students will explore its historical roots, linguistic structures, and its role in African American culture and identity. The program also examines AAVE’s influence on global popular culture, its representation in media, and its intersection with social justice issues.

  • Program Objectives

    Graduates of the program will:

    Develop a comprehensive understanding of AAVE as a linguistic system with distinct grammatical rules and lexicon.

    Analyze the cultural, historical, and sociopolitical contexts of AAVE.

    Explore the role of AAVE in identity formation and cultural expression.

    Address misconceptions and stigmatization of AAVE through informed advocacy.

  • Degree Requirements

    - Completion of 120 credits, including core courses, electives, and a capstone project.

    - Participation in community engagement or advocacy projects related to AAVE.

Program Structure:

Year 1: Foundations of AAVE

AAVE 101: Introduction to African American Vernacular English

Overview of AAVE’s structure, history, and cultural significance.

HIS 110: The African Diaspora

Historical context of African American linguistic development.

LIN 120: Introduction to Linguistics

Basics of phonetics, syntax, and semantics.

COM 105: Media Representations of AAVE

AAVE in film, television, and social media.

Elective: Music of the African Diaspora or Intro to African American Literature.

Fall Semester

AAVE 102: Grammatical Structures of AAVE

Exploring phonology, syntax, and verb systems.

SOC 115: Language and Identity

The role of language in cultural and personal identity.

HIS 120: Slavery, Reconstruction, and Language Evolution

Historical events shaping African American language practices.

ART 110: AAVE in Hip-Hop and Spoken Word

A study of how AAVE shapes artistic expression.

Elective: African American History or Intro to Folklore.

Spring Semester

Year 2: Intermediate Studies

AAVE 201: Code-Switching and Diglossia

Navigating multiple linguistic systems in diverse settings.

SOC 210: Language, Power, and Prejudice

Examining societal attitudes toward AAVE.

AAVE 205: Oral Traditions in African American Culture

The connection between AAVE and storytelling.

CORE 200: Writing in AAVE

Exploring creative and formal writing using AAVE.

Elective: African American Poetry or Theater of the African Diaspora.

Fall Semester

AAVE 202: Regional Variations in AAVE

Differences in AAVE across the U.S. and their cultural significance.

COM 220: Social Media and the Evolution of AAVE

AAVE in memes, online discourse, and digital platforms.

ART 210: Visual and Performing Arts and AAVE

Analyzing AAVE’s role in visual and performing arts.

LIN 215: Comparative Study of Creoles and Pidgins

Connections between AAVE and other Creole languages.

Elective: Black Feminist Thought or Media and Race.

Spring Semester

Year 3: Advanced Applications

AAVE 301: Sociolinguistic Research Methods

Techniques for studying language in cultural contexts.

PSY 310: Language and Cognitive Development

How AAVE influences and reflects thought processes.

AAVE 305: Activism and Advocacy Through Language

Using linguistic knowledge for social justice.

HIS 320: Civil Rights Movements and Language

The role of AAVE in activism and resistance.

Elective: African American Autobiography or Jazz and Blues Traditions.

Fall Semester

AAVE 302: AAVE and Education

Addressing linguistic bias in schools and promoting linguistic inclusivity.

COM 310: Public Speaking in AAVE

Mastering oration and rhetoric using AAVE.

ART 320: Modern Literature in AAVE

Analyzing works written in AAVE.

SOC 315: AAVE and Intersectionality

How AAVE interacts with race, gender, and class identities.

Elective: African Spirituality or Sociology of Hip-Hop.

Spring Semester

Year 4: Capstone and Real-World Application

AAVE 401: AAVE and Global Influence

Exploring AAVE’s impact on global language and culture.

AAVE 402: Linguistic Preservation and Revitalization

Strategies for preserving AAVE in a rapidly changing world.

PSY 410: Breaking Linguistic Stigmas

Addressing stereotypes and empowering speakers.

Elective: Advanced Rhetoric or Film and the African American Experience.

Fall Semester

Capstone Project:

Students will conduct a research project or create a creative work centered on AAVE.

Internship:

Opportunities in education, media, publishing, or advocacy organizations.

Final Symposium:

Presenting findings and contributions to the study of AAVE.

Spring Semester