About Us
The Department of African, African American, and Diaspora Studies is a transnational program that emphasizes the histories, cultures, cultural linkages, and contemporary sociopolitical and economic realities of Africa and the African Diasporas in the context of a globalizing world. Included on our faculty are award-winning teachers and recognized scholars whose work in and out of the classroom covers all major regions of Africa, the United States, and increasingly other parts of the Atlantic African Diaspora, including the Caribbean and Latin America. We approach these areas of study from multiple perspectives, and as an interdisciplinary program, our faculty are trained in the fields of anthropology, film, history, international development studies, law, linguistics, music, and political science.
The degree offered is the Bachelor of Arts with a major in African, African American, and Diaspora Studies and a concentration either in African Studies or African American and Diaspora Studies. The Department also offers a minor in African Studies, a minor in African American and Diaspora Studies, and a minor in Human Development, Sustainability, and Rights in Africa and the African Diaspora. Finally, the Department offers language instruction in Swahili, Wolof, and Yoruba.
Special Opportunities in African, African American, and Diaspora Studies
The Department works closely with two important research units on campus: the African Studies Center and the Institute for African American Research. These two units provide an opportunity for advanced study of issues concerning Africa and African diasporas.
Two student organizations of note are the Black Student Movement (BSM) and the Organization for African Students’ Interests and Solidarity (OASIS). The Sonja Hayes Stone Center for Black Culture and History is a resource for students in terms of programming and a library on African, African American, and Diaspora Studies.
The skills and perspectives of African, African American, and Diaspora Studies provide an excellent background for students considering advanced degrees and careers in international development, education, business, government, or diplomacy. Students concentrating in African, African American, and Diaspora Studies go on to a wide variety of managerial, teaching, and research positions. Other careers for which the major is excellent preparation include law, the foreign service, various positions in government, communications, social work, community development, and public administration.