Africana Studies Major, B.A.

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Department of Africana Studies

College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Program Format(s): In-Person

About the Program

The Department of Africana Studies offers a range of courses that capture the depth and breadth of global African experiences, both historically and contemporarily. Specifically, Africana is an inclusive term, one that encompasses Black communities in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and the Americas, as well as those of Continental Africa and the United States. These courses provide a comprehensive understanding of the global African heritage. Furthermore, they illuminate contributions of Black people to the development of United States and world history; Black cultures and communities; political activity and potential; religious development and importance; community service and resource assistance; and prognosis and potential for social change. Some courses may apply toward General Studies requirements and serve as electives for graduation.

The major in Africana Studies, which leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree, and the minor program must be planned in consultation with the chair of the department. Before declaring Africana Studies as a major, the student must consult with the department chair. Students seeking secondary education social studies licensure must consult with an advisor in Africana Studies and one in Secondary Education.

Student Outcomes

Upon completion of this program students will be able to:

List and identify the major contributions of African Americans over the past 400 years and of the peoples of African descent from the earliest times (from Ancient Egypt) to the present in various areas such as history, politics, arts religion, economics, etc.
Examine the evolution of the multidisciplinary field of Africana Studies.
Explore the key social, economic, political, and cultural issues and challenges facing African Americans and peoples of African descent, including those on Continental Africa.
Compare and contrast the similarities and differences in the experiences of African Americans and other peoples of African descent.
Analyze current events and social movements in Africa and the African Diaspora.

General Degree Requirements

To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.

Program Requirements

A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation.
A grade of C- or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.
A minor is required for this program.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits

Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.

Written Communication (6 credits)
Oral Communication (3 credits)
Quantitative Literacy (3 credits)
Arts and Humanities (6 credits)
Historical (3 credits)
Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits)
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.

Multicultural Requirement: 0 or 3 credits

Students should consult the Multicultural Graduation Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the Multicultural Requirement for degree completion.

Recommended: It is recommended that students fulfill this requirement by taking one of the following courses which are part of the Africana Studies major.
- AAS 1010 - Introduction to Africana Studies (required for major)
- AAS 3570 - African American History I (required for major)
- AAS 3300 - The Black Community (option for major)

Required Courses: 21 credits

AAS 1010 - Introduction to Africana Studies Credits: 3
AAS 1130 - Survey of African History Credits: 3
AAS 2000 - Social Movements and the Black Experience Credits: 3
AAS 2010 - Interdisciplinary Research Methods in Social Issues Credits: 3
AAS 3570 - African American History I Credits: 3
AAS 3630 - The African Diaspora Credits: 3

Select one from the following:

AAS 3250 - Black Women Writers Credits: 3
AAS 3300 - The Black Community Credits: 3
AAS 3550 - The Black Family Credits: 3
AAS 3930 - African Authors Credits: 3

Elective Courses: 15 credits

Select 15 semester hours of Africana Studies electives in consultation with an advisor.

Senior Experience: 3 credits

AAS 4850 - Research Seminar in Africana Studies Credits: 3

Summary of Requirements

General Studies Requirements	33 credits
Multicultural Requirement	0-3 credits
Major Requirements	21 credits
Major Electives	15 credits
Senior Experience	3 credits
Minor and Unrestricted Electives	48-60 credits
Total for the Africana Studies Major, B.A.	120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and Multicultural requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.