Africana Studies Major

The major consists of a minimum of 10 full courses (or the equivalent).

Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the major.

View the catalog page for the Africana studies department.

The requirements for the major in Africana studies are consistent with our view of the field as a multidisciplinary and area studies program. Major prerequisites are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the African diasporan experience, as well as a firm grounding in a single field of study.

Both breadth and depth in the field are to be obtained by majors. In consultation with their major advisor, students are expected to develop a balanced program of study and to supplement their work with courses in fields related to their special needs and interests.

Transfer of Credit Toward the Major

Students transferring credits in Africana studies from courses taken at other institutions may apply a maximum of three full courses or the equivalent toward the major with the approval of the department. Individual cases for students who transfer into the college after their sophomore year will be reviewed by the department.

Detailed Major Requirements

Africana Studies Major Course Lists

All majors are required to take courses within the department that total not less than two full courses or the equivalent in the humanities and two full courses or the equivalent in the social science divisions of the major, as multidisciplinary training.

Students must also ensure that these courses are drawn from at least three of the five core fields (Education, History, Literature, Politics, and Fine Arts), with a minimum of one full course or the equivalent in each chosen field.

Humanities Courses

Return to the top of the list of multidisciplinary courses.

Social Sciences Courses

Return to the top of the list of multidisciplinary courses.

Specialization Courses

Return to the summary of requirements.

An additional three full courses or the equivalent, including the Senior Seminar, are to be taken in a single field of specialization in one of the following areas: education, history, literature, politics, or fine arts (art, music, theater or dance).

Students are required to show a balance between introductory and advanced courses in their specialization.