About African Studies

Map of Africa using the Azimuthal Equal-Area Projection and scaled at 1:51,400,000

The African Studies program offers an interdisciplinary engagement with Africa and its diaspora, drawing on the social sciences, arts, and humanities. It emphasizes critical, historically informed approaches to understanding Africa and encourages students to engage with the continent’s diverse histories, societies, and cultures. By incorporating multiple perspectives, the program challenges conventional narratives and stereotypes and fosters a deeper appreciation of Africa’s complexity.

A core curriculum, combined with study abroad opportunities, provides students with both academic and immersive experiences. The program is further enhanced by a series of campus events, including guest speakers, special programs, and visiting scholars, which enrich students’ encounters with contemporary African issues and scholarship. Students are equipped to participate in meaningful cross-cultural dialogues and gain a nuanced understanding of the African experience both on the continent and in the diaspora.