I came to UCSB with a very clear vision of my academic future. I intended to study Political Science and be on the fast track to law school. I imagined that I wouldn’t really enjoy Political Science, but that it would be the most applicable major to law school. I took my first Black Studies course Fall Quarter of my first year, Black Studies 7, on a whim. I soon discovered that I really liked the course. I realized that I enjoyed learning about aspects of history that I had never really heard about before. One of the best parts of the class was the TA’s passion for the subject. She really inspired me to keep learning about similar issues and take another Black Studies course. At this point, I had not made the decision to add the Black Studies major to my existing Political Science plans. I signed up for Black Studies 6 with Professor Lipsitz. The class completely blew me away. I realized that my interest in Black Studies was primarily in African American studies. I absolutely loved learning about the Civil Rights Movement. I quickly decided to become a Black Studies and Political Science double major.
Meanwhile, I began taking Political Science courses that complemented my Black Studies courses and vice versa. The two majors allowed me to look at the United States’ history and current systems with a critical eye towards the Black experience. I knew that I had made the right decision to become Black Studies major while I was interning at the Civil Rights Division of the US Department of Justice. I loved dealing with cases and laws that involved civil rights and aspects of African American history. Although I have loved the teachers and substance of all of my Black Studies courses, my favorite course at UCSB was Black Studies 193AA with Professor Madison. This course, Race and the Constitution, was perfectly suited to accommodate my interests in African American history, politics, and the law.
I am entering law school this coming fall knowing that the knowledge gained from Black Studies will add a significant dimension to my life as a law student and eventually as an attorney. I'm forever indebted to the Black Studies department for my growth as a student and overall as a person.
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI also took Black Studies 6 with Professor Lipsitz and was thoroughly impressed by the subject material and his skill as a lecturer. That was one of the most rewarding classes I have ever taken at this university and expanded my view of American history beyond what I had ever expected. I will seriously take any class that he is teaching- it always ends well and I always learn more than I thought I would.
I think it’s great that you are able to integrate your Black Studies major with your Political Science major. They seem to compliment each other a great deal and offer a nuanced understanding of the American political system that others, even at law school, may not have (congratulations on the accomplishment. I hope law school is everything you want it to be!). Certainly, Black Studies courses have the ability to compliment any major on his campus because the field literally addresses them all in some fashion. It’s great to see that your particular combination of majors has done so well by you.
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteAs you know I too am a double major in Political Science, and I agree that given the right amount of scrutiny there are courses in political science that are complimentary to Black Studies. Having the scientific and conceptual background from political science really allows one to absorb so much more from Black studies where they are so many responses and counter-arguments to much in the Political.
I am glad that given your perspective you will be joining the ranks of those that seek social justice through law. I think you will be a great asset!
Michelle as another Political Science and Black Studies double major I couldn't help but notice your comment on the PS major and the BLST major complementing each other very well. I don't feel like I've been able to really treat both departments like a sponge being a transfer student, however, I usually do not feel that way about Political Science. Aside from one Professor Reyes' course I usually feel like Political Science leaves race out of the discussion or tends to broadly sweep over periods of history. I havent seen every political science professor though or taken a diverse number of professors in the major to really feel comfortable in saying that it doesn't compliment Black Studies. However, I feel a lot more at home in Black Studies courses.
ReplyDeleteJust my thoughts.
COngrats on law school though. I heard you went big.