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Major

Interested students may pursue a concentrated program of study by majoring in African and African American Studies. Students who major in AAAS gain cross-disciplinary experience and knowledge of the diaspora, while focusing their studies on a particular topic or theme.

  • AAAS majors Tramon McZeal and Kristina Williams sit with Assistant Dean and Advisor to Black Students Kari Cooke (middle) after presenting their senior independent research projects.

AAAS Major Requirements

The AAAS Major consists of 11 courses:
Two survey courses (must include either AAAS 9, AAAS 10 or AAAS 11)

  • One African survey course: AAAS 11, 14, 15, 18, or 19
  • One African American survey course: AAAS 10, 12, or 13
  • AAAS 9 Introduction to AAAS Diaspora Studies will fulfill either survey requirement.

Eight elective courses, including at least two courses from each of the following distributive designations:

  • Two courses with SOC, TMV, or TAS
  • Two courses with ART or LIT
  • Two area courses (in addition to the survey courses) must be among the eight elective courses with one course focused on Africa and one course on African America (including the Caribbean).

One of the following culminating experience options:

  • AAAS 90-96: Senior Seminars
  • AAAS 97: Senior Independent Research
  • AAAS 98 & 99: Honors Thesis

Majors are encouraged to take at least one diaspora course, which may be used to satisfy either area requirement. Courses with the INT distributive designation may satisfy either of the disciplinary requirements. With approval of the Chair, one associated course may be counted toward the major.

Prospective majors: please complete the AAAS Major Worksheet in consultation with the Chair, and hand it in to the Department Administrator.

Modified Major Requirements

African and African American Studies (AAAS) may be undertaken as the secondary part of a modified major. A modified major should be planned to form a coherent program of study with the major. The requirements are four courses in African and African American Studies in addition to those listed for a modified major in the particular department. Early approval of a modified major should be obtained from the student's major department and from the African and African American Studies Program. Please submit your AAAS Modified Major Worksheet to the AAAS Department Administrator.