Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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: 

  1. 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.
  2. Examine the evolution of the multidisciplinary field of Africana Studies.
  3. Explore the key social, economic, political, and cultural issues and challenges facing African Americans and peoples of African descent, including those on Continental Africa.
  4. Compare and contrast the similarities and differences in the experiences of African Americans and other peoples of African descent.
  5. 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. 

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits


Students should consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement  for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ Requirement for degree completion.  

Elective Courses: 15 credits


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

Senior Experience: 3 credits


Summary of Requirements


General Studies Requirements 33 credits
ESSJ 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 ESSJ 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.

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