Employing an interdisciplinary approach
The Africana Studies Department works to enrich our students, our scholarly fields, the University, and the State of Delaware. With a goal to generate new knowledge and scholarly analysis on African Americans and the African diaspora, the interdisciplinary curriculum focuses on four pillars:
- Pan-African Consciousness
- Public Humanities
- Gender and Sexuality studies
- Visual and Material Culture
We employ this interdisciplinary approach to interrogate the significance and ongoing impact of the history and legacy of slavery and colonialism in the United States, as well as in the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, and Europe.
Forging partnerships
Through the study of race and racism, Africana Studies contributes to the urgent need for public scholarship and service—especially for Black Delawareans. To that end, we are forging community partnerships with those who pursue similar objectives of advancing diversity and anti-racism at the University and beyond. On campus, we broaden our reach through associations with other departments (English, art history, sociology, political science, anthropology, psychology, public policy and women's studies) and interdisciplinary programs (African studies, Latin American studies and international relations).
Building the future
Dr. Newton first developed an 18-credit hour minor for undergraduate students. Today, the Department of Africana Studies offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree options including a bachelor of arts degree, a master of arts degree, a 4+1 degree option for current students, and a graduate certificate. In addition to offerings at the graduate level, the department plays a critical role in the African American Public Humanities Initiative. AAPHI is an interdisciplinary initiative that provides stipend support for PhD. students whose focus is African American/Africana studies.
A bachelor's or master's degree in Africana Studies offers limitless opportunities. Africana Studies alumni have earned advanced degrees from graduate or professional schools. Others have built careers in education, legislative and public affairs, counseling and community organizations, journalism, advertising, marketing, human resources, social services, fashion and more.
Our Africana faculty are thoughtful teachers who are nationally and internationally renowned scholars. In addition to Africana Studies methodologies, they have expertise in art and design, art history, history, sociology, cultural studies, performance, anthropology, political science, theology, and literature.
As leaders in their fields, Africana faculty bring meticulous research and dynamic conversations to the classroom. They offer a range of courses that explore the African diaspora through citizenship, economics, class, psychology, gender, science, health care, culture, social, visual arts, music, literature, fashion, design and pretty much any topic that concerns humanity. Africana Studies innovates and supports student research with our department faculty, through the University's Undergraduate Research Program and within the University's Honors College.