Africana Studies Major (B.A.)
www.shu.edu/academics/artsci/ba-africana-diaspora-studies
Faculty and Affiliated Faculty: Adjapong (Educational Studies); Almonor (Political Science & Public Affairs); Anderson (Religion); Greene (History); Harris (Director, Africana Studies); Lopez (Political Science); Matusevich (History); Mott (Political Science); Pritchett (Interim Director, Africana Studies); Schultz (History): Rios (Social Work); Togman (Political Science).
The Africana Studies curriculum critically analyzes the historical and contemporary experiences of people of African descent in the United States, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and wherever communities of African-descended people have emerged. The program utilizes multidisciplinary faculty and community-based expertise to prepare students to become servant leaders by fostering a commitment to rigorous intellectual inquiry and the movement for racial justice and equality. The program’s commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility is reflected in the balanced emphasis on traditional scholarship as well as experiential and co-curricular activities, such as guest lectures, internships, study abroad trips and community activism.
Depending on their preferences, graduates are prepared to work in social and educational institutions and agencies, government, business or the arts, libraries, museums, communication and other related areas. They are fully prepared to take advantage of graduate training in Black studies, the social and behavioral sciences, the arts, humanities and the professions.
The Program in Africana Studies encourages serious scholarship committed to social change and obtaining human rights. Through the study of the unique history, society and life of Black people, the department encourages active participation in the struggle for social justice and freedom for Black people and thus for all peoples.
Since 1970, The program in Africana Studies has been a community of scholars founded on and rooted in the emerging discipline of Africana Studies. It is based on several sources, including the Black Intellectual Tradition, the traditional academic disciplines, and the insights and lessons of the historic struggle against racism and for social justice.
To attain the Bachelor of Arts degree, students must complete the Core Curriculum of the College of Arts and Sciences, the major requirements and free electives to total 120 credits. Upon completion of work for the degree, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Each student will be assigned a faculty adviser who will assist in planning a four-year program.
Link to College Core requirement.
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| AFAM 1111 | Introduction to African-American Studies | 3 |
| AFAM 1201 | History of Africa I | 3 |
| or AFAM 1202 | History of Africa II | |
| AFAM 2313 | Black Politics | 3 |
| AFAM 1213 | African-American History I | 3 |
| AFAM 1214 | African-American History II | 3 |
| AFAM 2910 | 3 | |
| AFAM 3316 | Intell Trad-Global African Exp | 3 |
| AFAM 5511 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| Subtotal | 24 | |
| Electives | ||
| Students must complete four elective courses, no more than two from any of the following tracks: | 12 | |
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
History Track
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AFAM 2212 | History of the Civil Rights Movement | 3 |
| AFAM 2213/POLS 2311 | History of Black Nationalism | 3 |
| AFAM 2219/HIST 3554 | History of North Africa | 3 |
| AFAM 2332 | African Diasporas in the U.S.A | 3 |
| AFAM 3420 | Hist Relig-Soc Early LatinAmer | 3 |
| AFAM 3450 | Race-Nation in Latin America | 3 |
Literature Track
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AFAM 2410/ENGL 2618 | Africana Literature | 3 |
| AFAM 2411/ENGL 3613 | Early African-American Literature | 3 |
| AFAM 2412/ENGL 3614 | Modern African-American Literature | 3 |
| AFAM 2413/ENGL 3617 | Literature of the Harlem Renaissance | 3 |
| AFAM 2418/ENGL 3616 | Contemporary African Literature | 3 |
| AFAM 2420/ENGL 3615 | Major Figures in African-American Literature | 3 |
Social Science Track
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AFAM 1518/SOWK 1314 | Social Work and Law | 3 |
| AFAM 2214 | History of Black Education | 3 |
| AFAM 2312/POLS 2615 | African Political Institutions | 3 |
| AFAM/POLS 2313 | Black Politics | 3 |
| AFAM 2319 | American Foreign Policy in Africa | 3 |
| AFAM 2321 | Community Health | 3 |
| AFAM 2325 | Political Economy of Racism | 3 |
| AFAM 2327 | Organizing Grassroots Communities | 3 |
| AFAM 2332 | African Diasporas in the U.S.A | 3 |
| AFAM 2614 | Psych. of the Black Experience | 3 |
| AFAM 2617/WMST 2317 | The Black Man and Woman | 3 |
| AFAM 3315 | Martin Luther King Jr. Honors Seminar | 3 |
| AFAM 3316 | Intell Trad-Global African Exp | 3 |
Culture/Art/Music Track
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AFAM 2330 | Mass-Media and Minorities | 3 |
| AFAM 2332 | African Diasporas in the U.S.A | 3 |
| AFAM 2515/RELS 2419 | African Religions | 3 |
| AFAM 2516 | African Cultural Philosophy | 3 |
| AFAM 2517/RELS 2261 | The Black Church | 3 |
| AFAM 2521 | Performing Arts | 3 |
| AFAM 2529 | African American Art | 3 |
| AFAM 3315 | Martin Luther King Jr. Honors Seminar | 3 |
Additional Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AFAM 2182 | Topics in Africana Studies | 3 |
| AFAM 3181 | Topics in African-Amer Studies | 3 |
| AFAM 3182 | Topics in Africana Studies | 3 |
| AFAM 3190 | Independent Study | 1 |
| AFAM 3191 | Independent Study | 3 |
| AFAM 3195 | Independent Study | 2 |
| AFAM 3820 | Study in the Caribbean | 3 |
| AFAM 3833 | Pract Orient.-Inner City Neigh | 6 |
AFAM 1111 Introduction to African-American Studies (3 Credits)
Answers the questions: What has been the content of the Black experience and how has it changed over time? The economic, cultural, political and religious experiences of African-Americans are examined in traditional Africa, during slavery, after slavery in the rural South and in the present period of urban living.
AFAM 1201 History of Africa I (3 Credits)
Emphasizes independent developments in African civilization and the impact those developments have had on human progress.
AFAM 1202 History of Africa II (3 Credits)
Study of the traditional peoples and cultures; survey of contacts between Africa and the outside world with emphasis on colonialism, decolonization and the independence era.
AFAM 1213 African-American History I (3 Credits)
Interaction between Black and White society in the United States and the nature of Black society and culture to 1865.
AFAM 1214 African-American History II (3 Credits)
Continuation of AFAM 1213 from 1865 to post World War II.
AFAM 1401 West Political Thought I (3 Credits)
AFAM 1504 Faith & Justice (3 Credits)
This course assesses various leading historical and contemporary theories of justice and considers their implications for the life of religious faith. This course considers two, interrelated sets of questions. First, what is the nature of justice, and what kind of political, economic, and social practices do various theories of justice recommend? Second, what might justice mean from the perspective of religious faith, and does the life of faith necessarily require the pursuit of justice in the world? In considering these questions, this course pays particular attention to the challenges of globalization and poverty and the question of human rights. Special emphasis placed on Catholic and non-Catholic Christian moral traditions, with some engagement in non-Christian religions.
AFAM 1517 Research Methods (3 Credits)
Advances the student's knowledge of research design issues, statistical and computer applications to the research process. Concentrates more fully on applications of research in organizational settings.
AFAM 1518 Social Work and Law (3 Credits)
Examines the interactions of the disciplines of law and social work, as well as interactions between lawyers and social workers and the relationships of ethics and law.
AFAM 1711 International Relations (3 Credits)
AFAM 2182 Topics in Africana Studies (3 Credits)
Selected topics in Africana Studies chosen by the instructor.
AFAM 2211 Civil Liberties (3 Credits)
AFAM 2212 History of the Civil Rights Movement (3 Credits)
Review of major events and campaigns. The decade 1955-65 represents the temporal focus of the course, but the movement's 20th century antecedents and the period between 1965-68 are discussed; the period within which the movement was broadened in international perspective and transformed into a struggle for human rights. Goals and objectives of the struggle and the movement's impact on United States society are identified and evaluated.
AFAM 2213 History of Black Nationalism (3 Credits)
Examines the philosophy of Black nationalism as it appears in the writings and speeches of major leadership figures in the African-American community in the 19th and 20th Centuries. The nationalism of Martin R. Delany, Alexander Crummell, Edward Wilmot Blyden, Bishop Henry McMeal Turner, Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Dubois, Marcus Garvey, Honorable Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X is covered.
AFAM 2214 History of Black Education (3 Credits)
History of Black education from its origins in Timbuktu, Egypt and Ethiopia. Impact on Western civilization. Black colleges and universities; the Black student on the White campus. The Black scholar and the community; contributions of Black scholars to general knowledge. The myth of Black intellectual inferiority. Role of education in American society; educational innovation and improvement. Proposes models for urban education and its institutions, community involvement and community control. Preschool programs. Liberation schools.
AFAM 2215 The Caribbean Experience (3 Credits)
Investigates the history and culture of the English, French and Spanish speaking Caribbean Islands and contemporary issues confronting these societies and their immigrant communities on the mainland. Literature and music, film and guest lectures augment classroom discussion.
AFAM 2219 History of North Africa (3 Credits)
Topics in North African History include pre-Arabia; Arabization and Islamization; Ottoman rule; North Africa since the Napoleonic invasion.
AFAM 2230 U.S. Politics Through Doc Film (3 Credits)
AFAM 2310 Black Culture, Law, & Politics (3 Credits)
AFAM/POLS 2310 AA Black Culture, Law, and Politics – EXP
Using historical and contemporary examples, this course centers the particular and cultural narratives of African American innovators within various fields and the ways in which they have navigated the centers of American power.
AFAM 2311 Public Institutions and the African-American (3 Credits)
Critical examination of public institutions and public policy formation as it impacts on the welfare of the African-American community. Examines methods used by professionals, advocates and activists to improve responsiveness of public institutions to the legitimate needs of African-Americans.
AFAM 2312 African Political Institutions (3 Credits)
An African-centered political system course. The salient economic, social and political variables involved with discussion of specific experiences. Examination of traditional background, colonial experience and post-independence era.
AFAM 2313 Black Politics (3 Credits)
Analytical study of the impact of black participation in American political institutions and their responsiveness to the political demands of the Black community.
AFAM 2319 American Foreign Policy in Africa (3 Credits)
Historical development of American foreign policy in Africa. Analysis of the institutions and political and economic forces that shaped policy toward African countries and Africa's response to American foreign policy.
AFAM 2321 Community Health (3 Credits)
An interdisciplinary and comprehensive analysis of the special health problems and status of African-Americans and other ethnic populations. The state of health affairs for all ethnic and immigrant populations of the Africana Diaspora, and particularly African-Americans is especially precarious. The epidemiology of chronic disease, within these populations, will be researched. Programs to address the excessive differential in the health status of the African-American community with that of other ethnicities will be reviewed. Innovative national strategies and community-base programs will be examined.
AFAM 2325 Political Economy of Racism (3 Credits)
Analysis of the anatomy of contemporary racism in the U.S. Examination of the socioeconomic structure, especially in the urban setting, as the dynamic creating and recreating institutional racism.
AFAM 2327 Organizing Grassroots Communities (3 Credits)
Methods of organizing Black communities to alter the responsiveness of institutions, assume control of them, or replace them. Heavy emphasis on the theories of power, politics and community control along with practical examples.
AFAM 2330 Mass-Media and Minorities (3 Credits)
Study of mass media from a Black perspective. Covers a broad outline of the history of media and its developments, paralleling Black media and White media, and the impact each has had on the other and the institutions of our society.
AFAM 2332 African Diasporas in the U.S.A (3 Credits)
This course will examine the African Diasporas in the United States in the post World War II era. It will, however, briefly examine immigration from the Caribbean in the early 20th Century. It will examine the new wave of immigration of blacks to the U.S. from Africa, the Caribbean and the rest of the World after the passage of less strict immigration laws in the 1960's. How did this new immigration of blacks change relations between the overall black population and the rest of the country? What are relationships like between the various black ethnic groups? What are their religious, social and political conditions? What kinds of relationships have they maintained with their home countries? What roles are the new black immigrant groups in the country playing in the relationships between African Americans and the people in their home countries?
AFAM 2410 Africana Literature (3 Credits)
This is an introductory level survey course that explores the social, cultural, and political factors that shaped the Black literary experience in the Americas, Africa and the Caribbean. Examining the work (poetry, prose, plays, and short stories) of contemporary mainland and diasporic authors, this course will be studied by major themes, some of which include post/colonial struggles, neo-colonialism, African and New World religions, culture (clash), race and racism, gender, materialism and spirituality.
AFAM 2411 Early African-American Literature (3 Credits)
Survey of the major developments in Black literature since the 19th century. Literature in view of social, political and cultural movements of African-Americans. Comparisons with some works of Africans throughout the diaspora. (Formerly ENGL 3613)
AFAM 2412 Modern African-American Literature (3 Credits)
Black writings involved with social protest and as an outgrowth of social change. The Black writer as an outgrowth of social change, and as a "mover," directing himself to his own community. Richard Wright to Imamu Baraka and contemporary neo- African and pan-African writers. (Formerly ENGL 3614).
AFAM 2413 Literature of the Harlem Renaissance (3 Credits)
Harlem Renaissance (1920-40): the emergence of the "New Negro" and the impact of this concept on Black literature, art and music. Literary movements shaped by Claude McKay, Countee Cullen, Langston Hughes and Jean Toomer compared to American writers of the "lost generation." Special emphasis on new themes and forms developed by the Harlem Renaissance writers. (Formerly ENGL 3617).
AFAM 2418 Contemporary African Literature (3 Credits)
Introduction to some of the major African novelists and poets, such as Chinua Achebe, Camara Laye and Denis Brutus. Identification of recurring themes and comparisons of various writers¿ attitudes toward the themes. (Formerly ENGL 3616).
AFAM 2420 Major Figures in African-American Literature (3 Credits)
In-depth study of major African-American literary figures, their lives and major works. (Formerly ENGL 3615).
AFAM 2515 African Religions (3 Credits)
Explores the complex nature of the African system of thought concerning God, man, animate and inanimate things, and the meaning of religious experience in African society. The effect of Christianity and Islam on African religious thought.
AFAM 2516 African Cultural Philosophy (3 Credits)
A survey of the philosophy and world views of representative Black thinkers and cultures from ancient Africa through the contemporary societies of Africa and its Diaspora. (Formerly AFAM 2416).
AFAM 2517 The Black Church (3 Credits)
A survey of the major institution for religious expression developed by African-Americans from its origins in slavery until the contemporary urban period. The social, economic and political role of the Black church as well as its cultural and religious functions are examined. (Formerly AFAM 2417).
AFAM 2521 Performing Arts (3 Credits)
From ideas to actual performances using music, dance and drama with student participation. (Formerly AFAM 1411).
AFAM 2525 Urban Ed Through Hip Hip (3 Credits)
AFAM 2529 African American Art (3 Credits)
Overview of African American material culture and visual arts from colonial times to the present, including painting, printmaking, photography and sculpture. Close analysis of visual
representations will go hand in hand with a discussion of key texts in art history and critical theory. Topics include the effects of patronage, the influence of class, gender and sexual
orientation. Special emphasis in exploring how transatlantic travel and dislocation affected continuity and transformation in African American art practice and beyond. Regular class attendance, reading, oral participation, and engagement in classroom, museum field and online are essential for successful completion of course.
AFAM 2612 Crim Just System-Mod America (3 Credits)
AFAM 2614 Psych. of the Black Experience (3 Credits)
Contemporary psychology and White racism. Consequences of being Black. Strengths of the Black community. Alternative psychological models. (Formerly AFAM 2314).
AFAM 2615 Penology (3 Credits)
AFAM 2617 The Black Man and Woman (3 Credits)
Analysis of historical and sociological perspectives of the Black man and woman as separate entities and as partners. Primary focus on the African-American experience. Myths and misconceptions. Contemporary issues: projects for the future. (Formerly AFAM 2317).
AFAM 2692 Topics in Comparative Politics (3 Credits)
AFAM 3181 Topics in African-Amer Studies (3 Credits)
Special Topics- Subtitle-"Hip Hop in America"
AFAM 3182 Topics in Africana Studies (3 Credits)
Selected topics in Africana Studies chosen by the instructor.
AFAM 3190 Independent Study (1 Credit)
Independent research under the supervision of the Africana studies faculty. Faculty assigned according to areas. (Formerly AFAM 3390).
AFAM 3191 Independent Study (3 Credits)
Independent research under the supervision of the Africana studies faculty. Faculty assigned according to areas. (Formerly AFAM 3391).
AFAM 3195 Independent Study (2 Credits)
Independent research under the supervision of the Africana studies faculty. Faculty assigned according to areas. (Formerly AFAM 3395).
AFAM 3201 Social Problems and Programs (3 Credits)
AFAM 3291 Sp Top - MLK Day Symposium (1 Credit)
Using the paradigms and wisdom of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, participants will learn the history of racism, sexism, classism, etc. and their impact on our institutions, socio-cultural processes and the behavior of individuals and social groups. We look at the civil rights movement in terms of its impact, organizations and its rhetoric. We will examine the role of privilege, macroaggressions, micro aggressions, the humanities and laws in shaping our policies, perceptions and interactions with and toward others. What are the requirements of the workplace for cultural competencies today? An outcome of this course will be that participants will be better equipped to be functional and accountable in their professional and personal relationships. An interdisciplinary group of faculty and business leaders will facilitate the learning modules.
AFAM 3292 James Balwin (3 Credits)
This course explores the non-fiction writings of literary icon and civil rights “witness,” advocate, and activist, James Baldwin.
AFAM 3315 Martin Luther King Jr. Honors Seminar (3 Credits)
Designed for Martin Luther King Jr. scholars. An exploration of the philosophical development of Martin Luther King Jr. Study of theories of leadership through examination of the history of multicultural leaders in the 19th and 20th centuries. Seminar faculty assist students in development of a research paper relative to seminar topics.
AFAM 3316 Intell Trad-Global African Exp (3 Credits)
Study of the tradition of protest thought that has developed in the last century and a half in response to overseas expansion of Europe. Major emphasis on social theory of African and African American intellectuals such as Fanon, Nkrumah, Cabral, Malcolm X, Marcus Garvy, Martin Luther King Jr. and W.E.B. DuBois.
AFAM 3340 Feminist Theologies (3 Credits)
This course will examine womanist, mujerista, and a variety of feminist theologies. We will start with pioneering voices, trace the development of these traditions, and consider the interplay of theology, ethics, feminism, race, nationality, and other forms of identity and social justice concerns. While the course will primarily focus on Christianity, other religions will be explored as well.
AFAM 3365 Family-Poverty-Socl Justice US (3 Credits)
AFAM 3374 Immigration-Race-Citizen in US (3 Credits)
AFAM 3420 Hist Relig-Soc Early LatinAmer (3 Credits)
AFAM 3450 Race-Nation in Latin America (3 Credits)
AFAM 3511 Behavior and Environmens (3 Credits)
AFAM 3550 Criminological Theory (3 Credits)
AFAM 3711 Race,ID&Pols in PubAdmin (3 Credits)
This course will explore the impact of race and identity on the development and implementation of public policies within public and nonprofit organizations. We will examine a wide range of scholarships in this area that explores the concept of race ad why an understanding of these issues is critically important for future leaders of these organizations. Though we will explore the intersectionality of race with other markers of differences, including gender and class, our primary focus will be on race and racial identities, as race is often a large predictor of wealth, education, access to health care, and other quality of life indicators. The course will begin with a broad overview of race within the public administration environment. In the second half of the course, we will focus on programmatic areas of public and nonprofit organizations to further understand the role of race in the delivery of public services.
AFAM 3712 Human Rights (3 Credits)
AFAM 3723 Race, Politics and Theology (3 Credits)
AFAM 3817 Soc of Race and Ethnicity (3 Credits)
AFAM 3820 Study in the Caribbean (3 Credits)
This study abroad program in the Caribbean and the Americas will provide students with a unique opportunity to not only familiarize themselves with the literature of the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-racial Caribbean but it will also allow them to experience first-hand Caribbean and the Americas' culture and people, and provide a snapshot of the region's historical development. Literary (textual) experience will converge with on-site (lived) experience for an interesting and unique mix. Guest lectures by local specialists, in conjunction with visits to historical sites, such as museums and art galleries, will complement the program. For a sampling of the social and cultural make-up of the society, on site research into Caribbean popular culture will be integrated into readings and discussions. (Formerly AFAM 3320).
AFAM 3833 Pract Orient.-Inner City Neigh (6 Credits)
For advanced undergraduate students, an involvement in inner-city residents in researching neighborhood needs, demographic designs and collaborative problem solving. Problems, resources, city services and alternatives for change. Students assigned to groups in designated geographic areas, reflecting random sampling of socioeconomic and political life. (Formerly AFAM 3318).
AFAM 4397 ST - Digital Hst-Blacks Europe (3 Credits)
AFAM 5511 Senior Seminar (3 Credits)
Conducted by faculty members. Focuses on the synthesis of field experience and classroom study through preparation of a major research project.
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