The Minor in African & African American Studies

The African and African American Studies minor introduces students to several large regions of the world: sub-Saharan Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean. Broad geographic coverage and a comparative framework encourage students to make connections between Africa and the African Diaspora, as well as among different Diasporan communities. The minor offers undergraduates the opportunity to undertake an empirical and theoretical examination of the cultural, political, social, and historical experiences of Africans and people of African descent.

This unique transnational minor brings together several departments and colleges within the university and allows students to develop analytical skills particular to the arts, humanities, social sciences, public policy, and management. The African and African American Studies minor allow students a considerable degree of freedom in their choice of electives and independent research projects, including opportunities to study and conduct research in a relevant foreign language.

The minor is composed of 54 units, broken down between two “Core Courses” and four elective courses. Students may take up to two additional “Core Courses” that can count toward the elective requirement. At least one of their elective courses must contain a research paper or project and in the course of the six courses, students must take courses in two of the following four geographic regions: Africa, African American, Latin American, and the Caribbean). More information and questions regarding other courses for approval should be directed to the faculty director, Dr. Edda Fields-Black.

Please view the undergraduate catalog for the most up to date listing of courses that satisfy this requirement.