Africana Studies Minor

The minor in Africana Studies provides students with interdisciplinary approaches to the study of historical and contemporary experiences of people of African heritage. Using themes such as culture, agency, struggle and justice, students will develop and employ knowledge about Africa and the African diaspora, discover new ways of thinking about cultures, societies, philosophies, history and political economy of African peoples and their communities.

Students will

• Explain the key concepts, theories, and methodologies of Africana Studies—especially as they relate to the theme of justice.
• Acquire and hone their critical thinking skills regarding justice themes and problems pertaining to people of color. This would include sharpening one’s ability to identify ambiguity, contradictions and commonalities in the broad range of materials that fall under the umbrella of Africana Studies.
• Utilize high-level written and oral communication skills to work effectively and collaboratively with others.
• Gain a better understanding of themselves and their relationships to the broader society.

Career Paths

• Students minoring in Africana Studies learn about struggle, resistance, the legal and social issues historically confronting Africana communities, and institutional racism. Such knowledge helps them to become attorneys, police officers, firefighters, forensic psychologists and scientists capable of addressing urban needs and diverse clients.
• Minors use the knowledge they gain about Africana communities, cultural identity and racism to become effective social workers, public service managers and healthcare providers in an increasingly diverse society.
• Students interested in becoming teachers and administrators find the familiarity with the history and struggles of people of African descent helpful in facilitating effective learning—particularly in diverse classrooms.

Credits required: 18. Please see the the Undergraduate Bulletin for a complete list of electives.