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Africana Studies Minor

Explore the Many Facets of the African American Experience

Africana Studies Minors have careers in:

Africana Studies is an excellent minor for those interested in working in government, politics or public and international affairs.

The minor explores Africana influences in art and music and prepares students for performance careers.

Alumni work as physicians, dentists and scientists. 

The minor will provide you with a solid understanding of the African American literary tradition and its impact.

Students are prepared for careers in business and industry, both domestic and international.
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Learn about

Africana peoples, places, thoughts and cultures and their current and historical role in shaping the world in which we live

World and national economies, political development, artistic expression, technological development and environmental changes and challenges

African American, African, South American and African-Caribbean contributions to art, religion, history, literature, architecture and engineering

Community development and improvement

The intersectionality of race, gender and class and their place in social, psychological, political, literary and historical actions

Africana Studies Minor Program Overview

Gain a Deeper Understanding

Our Africana Studies program will help you understand the many facets of the African Americana and diaspora experiences.

You will take classes in African and African American history. Study African contributions to music in the United States and around the world, where strong lineages of African music culture and art are deeply embedded in the present.

You will explore race and political structures and involvement. Dig into hands-on research in Southeastern North Carolina, a site of significant historical landmarks. Explore and gain facility with intercultural communication, African religions and religious traditions.

You can also study the African influence in art, music, film, literature, history, politics, philosophy and religion.

The minor encompasses courses in history, English, political science, sociology, criminal justice, communication studies, philosophy and religion.

Be Part of the Solution

There are countless problems in our world that require critical thinking to develop effective and lasting solutions, appreciation of the global relationship between people all over and the ability to engage with people from different parts of the world. Africana Studies encourages you to explore the “why” and by understanding the why to then pursue the “how.”  

Engage

Whether studying engineering, medicine, law, the performing arts or some other subject, you will come to appreciate that you can have a role in shaping your future by exploring, understanding and familiarizing yourself with the peoples, places and cultures of the Africana diaspora and the intersectionality of race among social, psychological, political, literary and historical lines.

With a strong emphasis on community engagement, you will be well prepared to meet the challenges that life will bring.

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Sample Courses

Table shows sample courses for this program
AFN 130 Introduction to African American Studies
AFN 290 Readings in Literatures of the African Diaspora
HST 260 African-American History
HST 371 History of Premodern Africa
THR 366 Black American Theatre and Performance History
AFN 222 Introduction to Gullah Geechee Culture
MUS 116 History of Jazz
See The Full Curriculum

How Do I Minor in Africana Studies?

A total of 21 hours are required to earn a minor in Africana studies, including six hours in core courses and at least six hours at the 300-level or higher.

You must take a minimum of one course from each of these groups:

  1. Arts and Aesthetics
  2. Health and Historical Contexts
  3. Social Justice and Religion

for a total of nine hours. The remaining hours may be taken from any of the categories including a wide selection of electives. 

For more information, contact Dr. Glen Harris, program coordinator. 

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