Majors & Minors
Africana Studies
Major, Minor
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
The Africana Studies Program 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, the course of study features a variety of approaches that draw upon the arts, humanities, and the social and behavioral sciences.
Africana studies students 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.
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.
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 is what some of our alumni have been up to:
- Paralegal, Children’s Protection Project, National Immigrant Justice Center
- Assistant principal, KIPP Massachusetts
- M.S. in higher education administration, Syracuse University
- J.D. candidate, Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University
- Program and operations coordinator, Community Healthcare Network
- Public health associate, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
