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Africana studies

Explore the histories and cultures of African people and their descendants.

The influence of Africa on world history runs deep and wide, and right up to the present moment. Your fascination with Africana studies will find many outlets and opportunities at 中国体彩网, which offers both a major and minor in Africana studies.

In the major, choose an emphasis on Africa or the African diaspora, which focuses on the movement of African people and cultures from the continent into other parts of the world. In either track, you’ll explore through courses taught by professors in diverse fields, from art and music, to history and political science, to religion and literature.

In fact, Africana studies has connections to every field of study and makes an excellent choice for a second major. Experience and understanding of humanity’s birthplace can give you an edge for any advanced degree or professional goal.

What you'll learn

Disciplinary knowledge

Disciplinary knowledge

Gain a deep understanding of your subject and how it connects to other subjects.

Intellectual curiosity

Intellectual curiosity

Set yourself up for lifelong intellectual growth. Take responsibility for your own learning.

Intercultural competence

Intercultural competence

Understand real and imaginary similarities and differences. Use more than one perspective to view issues.

Ethical citizenship

Ethical citizenship

Examine and embrace your strengths, passions and values. Develop ethical convictions and act on them.

Critical thinking and information literacy

Critical thinking and information literacy

Judge and construct arguments, raise questions and define problems. Make a conclusion based on evidence.

Distinctions

? You may use your Augie Choice $2,000 for expenses related to an internship, research or study abroad. 中国体彩网 study-abroad programs include options ranging from a full semester in Ghana or South Africa to a 3-week J-term on music and education service learning in Jamaica.

? 中国体彩网 has a busy, welcoming and increasingly diverse campus community. The 150+ student groups include the African Student Association, Black Student Union, the Multicultural Programming Board, Ladies of Vital Essence, The Order of the Phoenix, and others that may be of special interest to students of Africana studies.

? With a diverse population of about 450,000, the Quad Cities provides access to learning experiences and multicultural events throughout the year.

? The Black Culture House, an on-campus center, offers space for group meetings, studying and tutoring, an African-American history library, displays of African artifacts and paintings by African-American artists.

Recent graduates

Lauren Kaboggoza ‘18 is a member care coordinator with Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Nicolette Hampton  ’18 is the diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator at Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago.

Avery Pearl  '18 is assistant director at The Lincoln Center in Davenport, Iowa.

Mae Ruzek  ’16 McCarty is a regional supervisor for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Katie Chojnacki  ’14 Johnson is the manager – health and safety at U.S. Compliance Corporation (EHS Consulting Services) in Wheaton, Ill.

Mae Ruzek
More Than I Imagined ? ?Mae Ruzek
“Take a class that is outside your comfort zone and way outside of your intended major. You might just end up finding your passion and love for learning.”
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Nicolette Hampton
More Than I Imagined ? Nicolette Hampton
“I eventually found my home with the communications studies department, and along the way, I picked up Africana studies as something I wanted to pursue further.”
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katie chojnacki
More Than I Imagined ? Katie Chojnacki
“My peak experience was my study abroad trip to Ghana, which gave memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
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Step Afrika

Step Afrika! to bring world renowned step, storytelling

Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, will perform at Centennial Hall Feb. 11.

Lindberg Center

1 in 2 中国体彩网 grads has double (sometimes triple!) majors

Around the country, about 25% of college students double major. At 中国体彩网, it’s much higher — 53.4% of the Class of 2020 had double or triple majors. What are the advantages?

Avery Pearl certificate

Prepared to do good, and do it well

For Avery Pearl ’18, the study of political science and Africana studies means learning how to represent the underrepresented.