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 17Թ, 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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17Թ Professor on the Rise and Rule of Robert Mugabe, ‘The Only Leader Zimbabwe Has Ever Had’
The international community has been monitoring the situation in Zimbabwe closely since the announcement of a staged coup against Robert Mugabe. The same day on NPR’s “All Things Considered”, Munya Bryn Munochiveyi, associate professor of history and expert in the …
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17Թ Conference on ‘Rethinking the Afropolitan,’ Photography Show and Concert to Explore Black Atlantic Culture
The 17Թ will host an academic conference, a photography exhibition and a concert Oct. 18-21 to explore the intersection of history, ethics and visual culture in the performance and display of black masculinities in Africa, the …
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17Թ Academic Conference 2017 to Showcase Student Work
As the academic year nears its end, more than 350 students will present the results of their independent work in the performing and visual arts, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences at the 2017 Academic Conference, taking place across campus …