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Majors & Minors

Africana Studies

Major, Minor

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Africana Studies offers a major, an interdepartmental major and a minor that explore the history, culture, intellectual heritage and social development of people of African descent.

Focusing on the continent of Africa as well as such places in the diaspora as the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the United States, our program features a variety of approaches that draw upon the arts, humanities, and the social and behavioral sciences.

Africana Studies majors have more than 60 courses from which to choose. There are also opportunities to pursue mini-terms in Senegal, South Africa and the American South.

Careers after Union

Students who graduate with a degree in Africana Studies are prepared for graduate study in the humanities and the social and behavioral sciences, as well as for professional careers in human services, education, government, law, business, community development, journalism, international affairs and other fields

No matter which path you pursue, you will have a solid understanding of the diversity that characterizes our society and its workplace – a foundation that will serve you well anywhere.

Here's a look at what some of our alumni have been doing since graduating:

  • Historic preservation professional, Planting Fields Foundation
  • Youth leader, Harvest Fields Community Church
  • Corps member, City Year
  • Educator, Teach for America

A sampling of courses

Music of Black America

Black music in America from its African beginnings to current pop styles, approached through live performance, lecture, video and sound recordings. Special emphasis on gospel, blues, jazz and rap.

Contemporary Africa

The history of Africa since 1950 through readings of novels, memoirs and historical accounts, combined with lectures, discussions and films.

Introduction to Africana Studies

An interdisciplinary examination of the issues and perspectives - social, economic, political, historical and cultural - of the peoples of Africa and the African diaspora.

Courses and requirements as listed in the Academic Catalog:

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