Africana Studies (BA)

College of Arts and Sciences

Program Website

Program Description

The undergraduate major offers interdisciplinary study of the fundamental dimensions of the African American, African, Caribbean, and African Diasporan experiences. Because of the comprehensive nature of the program, it is to the students' advantage to declare themselves Africana majors as early as possible. The following are prerequisites for admission to the major.

Students should submit:

  1. a statement of why they want to be an Africana Studies major;
  2. a tentative outline of the area of study they are considering (African, African American, Caribbean or African Diaspora) for the major; and
  3. a full transcript of courses taken and grades received
  4. a proposal for an advisor from the Africana faculty

The director of undergraduate studies will review the applications and notify students within two weeks of the status of their request.

Double Majors

In the case of double majors, students undertake to carry a full load of stipulated requirements for a major in each of the two departments they have selected.

Honors Program

The honors program offers students the opportunity to complete a library research thesis designed by the student. An honors designation from the Africana Studies program requires a 3.5 grade point average in Africana Studies Courses and a 3.0 grade point average overall. This option is only available for students pursuing an Africana Studies Major. In addition, the student must also:

  • Select an Honors Thesis Chair and a Minor Member;
  • Submit a written request to the Director of Undergraduate Studies by April of Junior Year to write an Honors Thesis.
  • If the request is granted, the Honors Thesis will be evaluated by the Honors Committee, and an honors designation will be awarded.

The Honors criteria described here will start for all graduates in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Languages

African language courses in Arabic, Swahili, Yoruba, Wolof, and Zulu may be used to satisfy the language requirements of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences. The Wolof and Zulu languages are taught by Columbia and Yale Universities through distance learning. Africana Studies also offers jumpstart courses (that do not count toward the language requirement) in Swahili for students traveling abroad. Africana majors are encouraged to take a language, and the study of an African language is recommended.

First-Year Writing Seminars

Consult the John S. Knight Institute for times, instructor information, and descriptions of the courses offered each year by Africana.