Africana Studies (BA) - University of C

The Africana Studies major at the University of Connecticut offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the experiences of people of African descent, fostering appreciation, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Through a comprehensive curriculum and diverse teaching methods, the program prepares graduates for careers in government, education, nonprofits, international affairs, business, and research, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to society.

Program Outline

Develop critical thinking skills: Students hone their critical thinking and analytical skills through engaging with various theoretical frameworks and examining historical and contemporary issues.
Promote social justice: The curriculum fosters a commitment to social equality, human rights, and the fight against racism and discrimination.
Provide comprehensive knowledge: Students gain in-depth knowledge of Black history, culture, politics, and social realities, both within and beyond the United States.
Prepare for diverse career paths: The program equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue careers in government, education, community organizations, international affairs, business, media, and research.

Outline

Course Requirements:

Total Credits: 27 credits in AFRA courses
Core Curriculum: 9 credits
AFRA 2211: Introduction to Africana Studies (3 credits)
AFRA/ARTH/AAAS 2222: Race, Gender, Sexuality, and the Power of Looking or AFRA/HIST 2622: History of Gender and Sexuality in Latin America and the Caribbean (3 credits)
AFRA 4994W: Senior Seminar (3 credits)
Curricular Areas: 18 credits distributed across five areas:
Black History
Black Diasporic and Global Perspectives
Race, Society and Health
Black Arts, Literature, and Culture
Black Politics and Social Justice
Elective: 3 credits in any AFRA curricular area, including variable topics, special topics, or independent study.
Related Courses: 12 credits of non-AFRA courses related to the major.

Course Lists:

Black History:
AFRA 2753: History of Modern Africa
AFRA/ANTH 3025: Contemporary Africa
AFRA/HIST 3206: Black Experience in the Americas
AFRA/ANTH 3512: African Archaeology
AFRA/HIST 3563: African American History to 1865
AFRA/HIST 3564: African American History Since 1865
AFRA/HIST 3569: Slavery in Film
AFRA/HIST 3618: Comparative Slavery in the Americas
AFRA/HIST 3619: History of the Caribbean
Black Diasporic and Global Perspectives:
AFRA/HIST/LLAS 2621: Cuba in Local and Global Perspective
AFRA/HIST 2752: Africa in Global History
AFRA/ANTH 3155: Anthropology of the African Diaspora
AFRA/HIST/LLAS 3208: Making the Black Atlantic
AFRA 3224/HIST 3770: History of Pan Africanism
AFRA/HIST 3620: Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Spanish Caribbean
Black Arts, Literature, and Culture:
AFRA/ENGL 2214: African American Literature
AFRA/ARTH 3050: African-American Art
AFRA/DRAM 3132: African-American Women Playwrights, 1900 to the present
AFRA/ENGL 3213: Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century African American Literature
AFRA/ENGL 3215: Twentieth- and Twenty-First Century African American Literature
AFRA/ENGL 3217: Studies in African American Literature and Culture
AFRA/HIST/AMST 3568: Hip Hop, Politics and Youth Culture in America
Race, Society and Health:
AFRA/SOCI 2250: Racial Disparities in Health
AFRA/COGS 2345: Language and Racism
AFRA/SOCI 2461: Race, Gender, and U.S. Health Care
AFRA/SOCI 2510: Ethnicity and Race
AFRA/SOCI 2520: White Racism
AFRA/HDFS/WGSS 3042: Baseball and Society: Politics, Economics, Race and Gender
AFRA/PSYC 3106: Black Psychology
AFRA/ANTH 3152: Race, Ethnicity, and Nationalism
AFRA/ANTH 3320: Race, Culture, and Reproductive Health
Black Politics and Social Justice:
AFRA/SOCI/HRTS 2530: African Americans and Social Protest
AFRA 3033/POLS 3633/PP 3033: Race and Policy
AFRA/POLS 3252: Politics In Africa
AFRA/POLS 3642: African-American Politics
AFRA/POLS 3647: Black Leadership and Civil Rights
AFRA/POLS 3652: Black Feminist Politics

Assessment

The program uses various assessment methods to evaluate student learning outcomes. These methods include:

Examinations: Midterm and final exams assessing knowledge of course material.
Essays and research papers: Assignments requiring students to apply critical thinking and analytical skills.
Class participation: Active engagement in discussions and activities.
Senior Seminar: Capstone project requiring students to conduct independent research and present their findings.

Teaching

The Africana Studies program employs a variety of teaching methods to engage students and promote active learning. These methods include:

Interactive lectures: Professors facilitate discussions and encourage student participation.
Guest speakers: Experts from diverse fields share their knowledge and experiences.
Group projects and presentations: Collaborative learning opportunities.
Field trips and internships: Experiential learning opportunities.

Careers

Graduates of the Africana Studies program are well-prepared for various career paths, including:

Government and policy: Public policy analyst, legislative aide, community organizer, diplomat.
Education: Teacher, professor, curriculum developer, educational administrator.
Nonprofit organizations: Program director, fundraiser, community outreach worker, social justice advocate.
International affairs: Human rights worker, development specialist, cultural attaché.
Business and media: Marketing specialist, journalist, editor, public relations professional.
Research and academia: Scholar, researcher, professor, museum curator.

Other

The Africana Studies program is housed within the Africana Studies Institute, which offers various resources and support to students. These resources include:

Academic advising: Guidance on course selection, major requirements, and career planning.
Tutoring services: Assistance with academic challenges.
Study abroad programs: Opportunities to study in Africa or other countries with significant Black populations.