The Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies at Yale College is an interdisciplinary program that examines the experiences of people of African descent in Black Atlantic societies such as the United States, Caribbean, and Latin America. The curriculum integrates historical, cultural, political, economic, and social perspectives. Majors are required to complete twelve term courses, including seven core courses (covering African American history, literature, social sciences, junior seminar, senior colloquium, and a senior essay) and five electives grouped in an area of focus. Students select a focus area in a traditional discipline (like political science or economics) or construct an interdisciplinary area (such as race and ethnicity or black arts). The program prepares graduates for careers or further study in education, journalism, law, arts, business, city planning, politics, psychology, publishing, public health, and social work. African American Studies can be taken as a stand-alone major or combined with another major in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies.