Directions for Election

The Major

A major in Africana studies requires nine units. An Africana studies major will choose one of four possible concentrations: Africa, the Caribbean, the United States, or a general Africana studies concentration. All of the four concentrations encompass the interdisciplinary approach of the department, while allowing students to focus on a particular area and gain expertise in one discipline. The first three courses of study focus on geographic areas; the fourth, designed in consultation with the student's advisor, allows the student to create a concentration on a particular salient aspect (e.g., Africana women or Africana arts) or issue (e.g., comparative race relations) in the Africana world.

It is strongly recommended that majors and minors take 105 before undertaking specialized courses of study. This course provides an overview of the discipline of Africana studies, including its philosophical and historical foundations, and introduces students to its major fields of inquiry. Of the nine units required for an Africana studies major, at least two must be at the 300 level and, ordinarily, not more than two may be taken outside the department. Africa: This program of study is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary and integrated understanding of the peoples of the African continent, from its ancient foundation through its current geopolitical situation. However, to insure students' breadth of knowledge of the Africana world, two courses that focus on a geographic area other than Africa are required. Six courses that focus on Africa are the foundation of this concentration: one course must be in history; one must be in a social science (economics, political science, sociology, anthropology, or psychology); one must be chosen from the humanities (literature, art, music, philosophy, and religion); and two should be chosen from a specific discipline. Students may select the Africa, the Caribbean, or the United States.

For all concentrations, students are encouraged to gain first-hand experiential insights in the Africana world. Students in the Africa and Caribbean concentrations are encouraged to consider the Wintersession courses in Ghana and Jamaica concentrations. Those in the Africa or the Caribbean concentrations, are also strongly encouraged to consider study abroad programs in these geographic areas. Those focusing on the United States should consider spending a semester or year at an historically Black college or in a relevant U.S. internship. Credit toward the major may be given for such experiences when appropriate.

The Minor

A minor in Africana studies will consist of five units, including one 300 level course. AFR 105 is strongly recommended. (Students may be exempted from specific requirements by the department.) Minors are strongly encouraged to take courses in at least two geographic areas (e.g., the United States and the Caribbean) and in two or more disciplines. Minors are also encouraged to attend departmentally sponsored extracurricular lectures, especially those (required of majors) that focus on methodology.