The Intercollegiate Department of Black Studies (IDBS) offers a multidisciplinary curriculum that examines the experiences of African, African American, and Caribbean people from the liberal arts perspective. The Black Studies curriculum helps to unify an important area of intellectual investigation and enhances appreciation of particular disciplines in the humanities and the social sciences. Courses accommodate the needs of both majors and non-majors, providing significant preparation for careers in education, social work, public policy, law, medicine, business, inter-national relations and advanced research.
 

The mission of the Intercollegiate Department of Black Studies (IDBS) is to examine—through various academic disciplines—the experiences of people of African heritage worldwide. The Black Studies curriculum helps to unify an important area of intellectual investigation and enhances the appreciation of disciplines in the arts, humanities and the social sciences. The IDBS is committed to excellence in teaching and scholarship and is a vital information resource for students and researchers. Moreover, its faculty endeavors to create an intellectual climate which fosters cross-cultural dialogue. Established in 1969, the IDBS offers a rich academic program to all students at The Claremont Colleges. Interdisciplinary in both research and teaching initiatives, the IDBS promotes collaborative projects with other departments at The Colleges, and with scholars at other institutions. The Department's curriculum includes courses in art history, economics, film, government, history, economics literature, psychology and interdisciplinary areas. Annual Programming includes The Sojourner Truth Lecture, conferences and speaker series, special events, and a Senior Thesis Award competition.