Africana Studies
Areas of Study
Offered through the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, the Africana Studies program explores:
- the social construction of race
- use of comparative case studies or a regional approach
- methods and theories
Requirements
Students who wish to design a major in Africana Studies may do so by applying through the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies (CIS).
Learn more about CIS Requirements.
The Africana Studies concentration consists of six courses. A concentrator can enter the program by taking the introductory interdisciplinary course, AFST 110: Introduction to Africana Studies (offered annually every fall) or another designated foundational course, normally at the 100 or 200 level.
Of the remaining five courses, students should follow these guidelines:
- Including the foundational course, no more than two can come from the concentrator’s declared major.
- Including the foundational course, no more than two should come from a single discipline or department.
- The majority of the remaining courses should be at the 200-level or above.
- At least two courses should be focused on a region other than the United States.
- Concentrators should try to take at least one 300 or 400-level course, or a course with an extensive research, performance, or writing component.
The following are the designated foundational courses for Africana studies:
- AFST 260 - Black Europe
- ANTH 273 - Anthropology of Africa
- HIST 101 - Travel Writing and African History
- HIST 198 - Modern Africa
- HIST 277 - Afro-Latin America
- MUSC 236 - African American Music: From Blues to Rap
- PHIL 111 - Intro to Africana Philosophy
- POLS 270 - African Politics
- SOCL 203 - Race and Power
Occasionally, other courses may be counted as a foundational course. Please consult with the Africana Studies director with any questions.
As part of a planned course of study, students may arrange tutorials, seminars, study abroad and study away courses. Students must confirm course credit approval in advance with the concentration director.
All concentrators receive certificates indicating their successful completion of the program and notification appears on their College transcripts.
Meet Your Director
- Black Europe
- Anthropology of Africa
- HIV/AIDS in Global Perspective
- Pop Culture, Race & Sexuality
- Complexities of Urban Schools
- Contemporary African American Literature and Culture
- Afro-Latin America
- Intro to Africana Philosophy
- South Africa & Apartheid
- Topics in African Cinema
- Decolonizing Dance
- Art of Africa and the Americas
- Environmental Racism
- Resistance & Rev in Mod Africa
Opportunities
Carter G. Woodson Award
Carter G. Woodson was an African-American historian and scholar who was instrumental in initiating Black Studies programs. Graduating seniors have the opportunity to submit their work in African, African American, Afro-Caribbean and/or Afro-Latinx subjects for consideration.
Study Abroad & Away
Our study abroad program includes universities all over the world, including Australia, Kenya, Peru, the United Kingdom, and Tanzania. Students also have the option of applying for a semester's study at an historically black college or university (HBCU), such as Howard University, Morehouse College or Spelman College.
Research Projects
Advanced research opportunities are available to students, where they work closely with a faculty member and present their research at the end of the year at the Holy Cross Academic Conference.
Student Organizations
Africana Studies students are frequently involved in the following student groups:
Black Student Union, a multicultural group dedicated to promoting black student presence and pride on campus.
Caribbean African Student Assembly (CASA) shares African and Caribbean Culture with the Holy Cross community, and through special events and performances, brings the culture to life.
Multicultural Peer Educators (MPEs), specially trained Holy Cross student volunteers who assist in programming, work with staff and residence assistants, and informally engage other students on topics of diversity.
Fusion Hip-Hop Dance Team, a hip-hop dance group that combines influences from all styles of dance, and welcomes all dancers and dance enthusiasts to participate.
Rhythm Nation Steppaz, the only step team on campus, which hosts tryouts yearly for students interested in performing at various campus-related events and offers workshops for others interested in learning.
Outcomes
As an interdisciplinary program at a liberal arts college, the Africana Studies Program prepares graduates to pursue any number of opportunities in business, law, education, the health professions, and the arts. As informed students with a global outlook on questions of diversity and inclusion, Africana Students are poised to contribute to a changing world. Recent graduates have pursued positions in the corporate world, independent schools, and non-profit work.
