Department of African, African American, and Diaspora Studies

Introduction

The curriculum of the Department of African, African American, and Diaspora Studies emphasizes the histories, cultures, cultural linkages, and contemporary sociopolitical and economic realities of Africa and the African diaspora in the context of a globalizing world. Included on our faculty are award-winning teachers and recognized scholars whose work in and out of the classroom covers all major regions of Africa, the United States, and increasingly other parts of the Atlantic African Diaspora, including the Caribbean and Latin America. We approach these areas of study from multiple perspectives and disciplines, and the department’s faculty members are trained in the fields of anthropology, film, history, international development studies, law, linguistics, literature, music, and political science.

Advising

We encourage students to talk with the director of undergraduate studies when they declare the major in African, African American, and Diaspora studies. The director of undergraduate studies is also available to students who are interested in the department’s offerings at other times in their academic careers.

Graduate School and Career Opportunities

The skills and perspectives of African, African American, and Diaspora studies provide an excellent background for students considering careers in international development, education, business, government, or diplomacy. Students go on to a variety of managerial, teaching, and research positions. Other careers for which the major is excellent preparation include law, communication, social work, community development, and public administration.

Major

• African, African American, and Diaspora Studies Major, B.A.

Minors

• African Studies Minor
• African American and Diaspora Studies Minor
• Human Development, Sustainability, and Rights in Africa and the African Diaspora Minor

Graduate Programs

• Ph.D. in Africana Studies
• M.A. in Africana Studies

Courses

• African, African-American, and Diaspora Studies (AAAD)
• Chichewa (CHWA)
• Lingala Language (LGLA)
• Kiswahili (SWAH)
• Wolof Language (WOLO)
• Yoruba Language (YORU)

The department has adopted the following numbering system for all AAAD courses numbered above 99:

• Courses ending in 00 to 29: African studies
• Courses ending in 30 to 59: African American studies
• Courses ending in 60 to 84: African Diaspora outside the United States
• Courses ending in 85 to 99: Courses that cross geography; dedicated courses whose numbers are reserved by the University Registrar, such as independent studies and internships.

Professors

Claude A. Clegg III, Kenneth Janken, LeRhonda Manigault-Bryant, Eunice Sahle.

Associate Professors

Maya Berry, Lydia Boyd, Brandi Brimmer, David Pier, Charlene Regester.

Assistant Professors

Shakirah Hudani, Kevin Irakoze, Nadia Mosquera Muriel, Petal Samuel.

Teaching Associate Professors

Samba Camara, Joseph Jordan, Alicia Monroe, Mohamed Mwamzandi, Robert Porter.

Teaching Assistant Professors

Victor Alabi, Raphael Birya.

Adjunct Faculty

Fenaba Addo, Anna Agbe-Davies, Shorna Allred, Naomi André, Renée Alexander Craft, Lisa Calvente, Youssef Carter, Christopher Clark, Shannon Malone Gonzalez, Letitia Guran, Sudhanshu Handa, Taylor Hargrove, Sherick Hughes, Antwain Hunter, Lauren Jarvis, Priscilla Layne, Lisa Lindsay, Chaitra Powell, Danielle Purifoy, Antonia Randolph, Victoria Rovine, Rebecka Rutledge Fisher, Tanya Shields, J. Michael Terry, Daelena Tinnin-Gadson.