Africana Studies

Africana Studies: Self-Designed Major, Concentration 

Explore the rich, global history and diverse cultures of Africa and the African diaspora. 

What do African diaspora and Africana Studies mean? 

People of African descent living outside of the continent are often referred to as the African diasporaAfricana has come to refer to the study of the past and present experiences of Africans and the African diaspora wherever people of African descent reside; people of African descent are found around the globe. 

At 17³Ô¹ÏÍø, the Africana Studies concentration is an interdisciplinary academic program that examines the integral role that Africans and people of African descent have played in the histories, politics, cultures, and economies all over the world, particularly in Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean and Europe. Using methods from multiple disciplines including history, sociology, languages, literature, political science, religion, and music, students of all backgrounds gain insight into our shared past and present.

Africana Studies Statement on Racism, Violence on Black Bodies, and Activism

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Program Highlights

As a complement to our long-standing Introduction to Africana Studies course, we have added a series of foundational courses to offer multiple ways to enter the concentration. These introductory classes generally address most if not all of the following areas:

  • the social construction of race
  • use of comparative case studies or a regional approach
  • methods and theories

We offer upper-level courses in most departments allowing students to enhance their major program of study or develop new avenues of inquiry and research. Coursework can be supplemented with additional research, internships, and study abroad and study away opportunities.

Course and Research Projects
Course and Research Projects

Coursework and research span the College curriculum in history, literature, art, politics, economics and religion.

Study Abroad or Study Away
Study Abroad or Study Away

Study abroad in Australia, England, Peru and Tanzania. Study away in D.C., New York, or at an HBCU.

Course and Research Projects
Carter G. Woodson Award

Graduating seniors are eligible to submit work for the annual Carter G. Woodson Award in recognition of excellence.

Africana Studies News

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Eleven students and recent alumni receive prestigious grants and scholarships
This spring, 17³Ô¹ÏÍø students and alumni have won an impressive array of awards from prestigious organizations, including the Fulbright Program, Critical Language Scholarship and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. These accolades speak to the curiosity, intellect and …
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17³Ô¹ÏÍø Professors Recognized for Outstanding Scholarship and Student Advising

Before the faculty of the 17³Ô¹ÏÍø who were gathered for her spring address, Margaret Freije, provost and dean of the College, presented Mary Louise Marfuggi Faculty Awards ...

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17³Ô¹ÏÍø Takes Top Seat in Ranking for Long-Term Study Abroad Participation
For yet another year, the 17³Ô¹ÏÍø has been ranked No. 1 among baccalaureate institutions in the United States for long-term study abroad participation by the Institute of International Education. According to its report, 133 17³Ô¹ÏÍø students …