Majors and Minors

Major / Minor Details

Africana Studies (Major, Minor) | BA

  • Africana Studies
  • School: SAS
  • Program Code: 014
  • Degree Type: BA
  • Program Type: Minor, Major
  • Program Summary: Are you interested in studying the histories, politics, and experiences of peoples of African descent worldwide? Or what about spending a summer in Ghana to develop a better understanding of old and new Diasporic communities in West Africa? Africana Studies is the study, research, interpretation, and the dissemination of knowledge concerning African American, African, and Caribbean affairs and culture. Using the tools of the social sciences and humanities, the major examines issues of politics and social change in African-American communities and various African and Caribbean nations. The department is interdisciplinary; courses include but are not limited to the study of language, literature, politics, psychology, history, law and religion as they relate to the peoples of Africa and the African Diaspora. You will be prepared for careers in business, communications, research, law, politics, teaching, and counseling, to mention a few.

  • None

  • None

  • We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.

    Your schedule will look something like this:

    Expository Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits)

    Major Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

     Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) 

     Total Credits: 15-16

     

  • Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule:

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    Subject on University Schedule of Classes

    Intro to Africana Studies

    01:014:103

    3

    		 Africana Studies (014)

    Black Experience in America

    01:014:203

    3

    		 Africana Studies (014)

     

  • Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.

    Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    Intro to Sociology 01:920:101 3 Sociology (920)
    Crossroads: Classical Literature of Africa, the Middle East & South Asia 01:013:201 3 African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian Languages and Literatures (013)
    Intro to Race & Ethnicity in America 01:050:102 3 American Studies (050)
    Black Literature 1930-Present 01:358:218 3 English-Literature (358)
    American Topics: Black Lives Matter Signature Course 01:512:264 3 History-American (512)

     

  • The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects.

    To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:

    1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.
    2. In the Search By box, click the "search multple subjects" link. Select the following departments:
      • African Studies (016)
      • African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian Languages and Literatures (013)
      • History - Africa, Asia, Latin America (508)
      • Sociology (920)
    3. In Section Status, deselect Closed
    4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering.

    Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
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