Major in Africana Studies
Learn from nationally recognized experts and award-winning educators. Get inspired by hands-on mentors. Take classes that help you find your identity and purpose.
Why Major in Africana Studies?
UConn's Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Africana Studies allows students to dive into the diverse cultures and histories of African descended people. Our faculty help our majors — many of whom are first-generation college students — visualize their own professional goals and pursue educational opportunities. As a result, our majors find purposeful employment and secure merit-based scholarships, research experiences, legislative internships, best paper awards, travel grants, and more.
What We Offer
The UConn Africana Studies major offers you the chance to:
- Learn from some of UConn’s best teachers and mentors as well as trailblazers in their respective fields.
- Enhance your critical thinking and writing, analysis and communication skills.
- Study abroad in Ghana and Kenya for course credit.
- Connect with faculty through 1:1 academic advising, career mentoring, and research opportunities.
Learning Outcomes
As an Africana Studies major, you will:
- Reflect on the rich history, culture, contributions, and experiences of African descended people.
- Learn how to clearly communicate complex ideas.
- Become fluent in discipline-specific vocabulary, concepts, and theories.
- Examine the organizations and institutions advocating for civil rights, human rights, and social justice.
Program Overview
UConn’s undergraduate education in Africana Studies spans many fields, with a range of courses in five areas:
- Black History.
- Black Diasporic and Global Perspectives.
- Race, Society, and Health.
- Black Arts, Literature, and Culture.
- Black Politics and Social Justice.
Core Curriculum
- Students must complete 27 credits to fulfill the major.
- Students must complete 9 credits from the Core Curriculum, with 15 credits distributed in each of the Five Curricular Areas and three elective credits in any AFRA content area including variable and special topics or independent study.
- Variable and Special topics courses may be applied to the distribution areas based on course content and with advisor consent.
- Students must also complete 12 credits of related courses not cross-listed with AFRA.
Related Courses
Related courses include all 2000 and upper level courses from AASI, LLAS, WGSS and HRTS. Many other courses (2000 and above) in the humanities and social sciences subject areas will be approved with advisor consent. Additional pre-approved courses are listed below.
Pre-Approved Related Courses
- HDFS 2001: Diversity Issues in Human Development and Family Studies
- ECON 2444: Women and Minorities in the Labor Market
- SOCI 2827: Revolutionary Social Movements Around the World
- POLS 2998: Political Issues
- HIST 3201: History of Human Rights
- ENGL 3210: Native American Literature
- ENGL 3212: Asian American Literature
- POLS 3216: Women in Political Development
- FREN 3218: Francophone Studies
- POLS 3255: Politics of South Africa
- POLS 3406: Globalization and Political Change
- SOCI 3421: Class, Power, and Inequality
- SOCI 3429: Sociological Perspectives on Poverty
- SOCI 3503: Prejudice and Discrimination
- HIST 3510: Civil War America
- HIST/URBN 3541: History of Urban America
- HIST/WGSS 3561: History of Women and Gender in the U.S. to 1850
- HIST/WGSS 3562: History of Women and Gender in the United States, 1850-Present
- INTD 3584: Urban Semester Field Work Seminar
- ENGL 3609: Women's Literature
- ARTH 3645: Caribbean Art, 19th, and 20th Centuries
- ENGL 3609: Women's Literature
- ARTH 3645: Caribbean Art, 19th, and 20th Centuries
- SOCI 3701: The Developing World
- POLS 3807: Constitutional Rights and Liberties
- COMM 3415: Protest and Communication
- ENGL 3218/W: Ethnic Literature of United States
- SOCI 3221/3571: Sociological Perspectives on Asian American Women
- SOCI 3222: Asian Indian Women: Activism and Social Change in India and the United States
- COMM/LLAM 3264/ 3260: Latinas and Media
- MUSI 3421W: Music in World Cultures
Ready to take the next step?
Students can declare a major or change their major using the Online Program Change site.
To do so, log in, select New Major Change, and follow the prompts. If you have a double major or minor, please add that in the notes section.
Contact Us
For questions about the major, please contact:
Dr. Fiona Vernal
Associate Director of Africana Studies
Elaine Chu
Undergraduate Academic Advisor