Requirements

Declaring and Planning Your Program

Students are encouraged to work with the concentration director or an Africana Studies faculty member to plan a creative, individualized course of study that addresses a coherent theme or series of questions of interest. It is important to meet with the concentration director once you submit a request for Change of Academic Plan to add the concentration so that the director is aware of the course of study the student you intend to follow. With prior written approval from the Africana Studies Director, students may also take advantage of a wide array of curricular options — at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø or other academic institutions — to fulfill the requirements for the concentration.

To declare the Africana Studies concentration:

  • On the STAR system, under My Academics, click on the Change of Academic Plan. Under the Student Forms and Flows heading, click on Declare Major/Minor/Concentration and follow the instructions for declaring the concentration.

Concentration

The Africana Studies concentration consists of six courses.

A concentrator can enter the program by taking the introductory interdisciplinary course, AFST110: Introduction to Africana Studies (offered annually every fall) or another designated foundational course, normally at the 100 or 200 level.

Designated Foundational Courses for Africana Studies

AFST 260

Black Europe

ANTH 273

Anthropology of Africa

HIST 101

Travel Writing and African History

HIST 198

Modern Africa 

HIST 277

Afro-Latin America

MUSC 236

African American Music: From Blues to Rap
PHIL 111 Intro to Africana Philosophy

POLS 270

African Politics
SOCL 203 Race and Power

 

Occasionally, other courses may be counted as a foundational course. Please consult with the Africana Studies director with any questions.

Of the remaining five courses, students should follow these guidelines:

  • Including the foundational course, no more than two can come from the concentrator’s declared major.
  • Including the foundational course, no more than two should come from a single discipline or department.
  • The majority of the remaining courses should be at the 200-level or above.
  • At least two courses should be focused on a region other than the United States.
  • Concentrators should try to take at least one 300 or 400-level course, or a course with an extensive research, performance, or writing component.

Other Options for Credit

As part of a planned course of study, students may arrange tutorials, seminars, study abroad and study away courses. Students must confirm course credit approval in advance with the concentration director.

Spring 2023 Courses

View the Spring 2023 Africana Studies Course List (PDF)

Certificate

All concentrators receive certificates indicating their successful completion of the program and notification appears on their College transcripts.

Major

Students who wish to design a major in Africana Studies may do so by applying through the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies (CIS).