African, African American, Diaspora Studies Major

Major requirements

The major in African, African American, Diaspora Studies requires earning 40 credits.  Students may choose among many courses to fulfill the major based depending on their individual interests.

• At least one course from each of the five areas listed below must be taken, along with two courses that focus on the continent of Africa and are marked with an asterisk (*).

• AFDS 103 - Introduction to African, African American, Diaspora Studies  and AFDS 201 - Witnessing Contemporary African Society*  are recommended but are not required.  Students seeking an introductory level course may also consider HIST 143 Africans on Africa: A Survey , HIST 209 African American History to 1877 , HIST 210 African American History: 1877 to the Present , and WGS 101 Introduction to Women’s Studies . 

• Three 300-level courses must be taken, including a capstone project. Capstone projects may involve study abroad and/or independent study work. Please speak with the coordinator to discuss possible capstone projects.

• AAADS will accept an appropriate to the Major or Minor a semester long internship or full time summer internship for Major and Minor credit. You may be asked to provide proof of completion of the internship (a letter from your mentor/supervisor stating the nature and success of your work at the institution if completed during the summer, or a non-failing grade in Semester in the City). For example, an appropriate internship successfully completed in the Semester in the City (SITC) program would count toward your major or minor credit requirements.

NOTE:  300-level courses may also overlap with courses that focus on the continent of Africa or that satisfy one or more of the area requirements.