Program Director: Dr. Chima J. Korieh, P.h.D.
Program Overview
Africana Studies is an interdisciplinary major and minor that examines the experiences and contributions of people of African descent in the modern world. Our courses range in geographic focus from the United States to Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and in disciplinary approach from the humanities and social sciences to business and communication. All these courses interrogate the role that race plays in social, cultural, economic and political institutions, systems and structures. Our goal is to provide students with the knowledge necessary to be agents of change in an evolving world.
This major and minor provides students with analytical abilities grounded in traditional disciplines as well as increasingly important skills in interdisciplinary investigation, research, criticism and writing.
Africana Studies can be taken either as a primary major or as a complement to other majors. Students pair Africana Studies with majors in English, History, Communications, International Affairs, Psychology, Political Science, Sociology or Education, for examples, because of the excellent preparation the combinations provide for graduate or professional school and for careers in journalism, business, government, health care, urban affairs, public policy, politics, social work or education.
The major consists of 30 credits hours: five core courses from offerings in the departments of English, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology and Theology, and five electives selected from across the University. The minor consists of 18 credit hours: three core courses and three elective courses.
Students are encouraged to develop concentrations in areas of particular interest. Possibilities include a disciplinary focus such as literature or sociology or an area focus such as race, culture and health; race and gender; or intercultural communication. Concentrations are designed with a major adviser and require approval by the director of the program.
Courses
Recent courses offered include:
- African History
- African American History
- African American Fiction to Film: A Study in Genre
- The Psychology of Racism
- Race and Racism in Milwaukee: Cultural Critique
- African American Literature from the Revolution to the Harlem Renaissance
- Race, Gender and Medicine
- Urban Politics
Additional Information
To learn more about a major or minor in Africana Studies or to see the course listings, please visit the Africana Studies undergraduate bulletin page.
Advisory Board