BA in African-American Studies

African-American Studies is an interdisciplinary degree-granting program within in the Department of Africana and American Studies that explores the history as well as the political, economic, social, and cultural circumstances of people of African descent everywhere. The program's major and minor ground students in a curriculum that is global in scope, covers a broad spectrum of topics in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, and provides a comprehensive liberal arts education.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge of:

Broad thematic periodization and chronology of African history, and the place of Africa in world history

The parameters of the current socio-economic and cultural circumstances of the people of the African continent

The chronology of the socio-economic, political and cultural history of the African diaspora in the Americas, and the role of the African diaspora in the history of the Americas up to the present

The role of African Americans in the evolution of U.S. constitutional democracy through their struggles for inclusion

Major themes in the current socio-economic, political and cultural circumstances of the African diaspora in the Americas

Major descriptive and analytical themes in the historical role of the women of the African diaspora in the Americas, and in their current socio-economic, political and cultural circumstances

The major depictions — both fiction and non-fiction — of these issues

The Learning Environment

African and African American Studies at the University at Buffalo replicates the experience of a small liberal arts college in the midst of a major research university. We invite students looking for the advantages of being part of the department that combines personal attention with a wide choice of courses on the African American, Africa, and Caribbean experience. The curriculum emphasizes an interdisciplinary perspective that contributes to mastering the research, writing and critical thinking skills necessary in a society in which higher education plays such a crucial role. At the same time our students are encouraged to refine and develop their individual interests that stem from the extensive understanding of the field the department’s offerings provide.

About Our Facilities

The Department of Africana and American Studies is housed in 1010 Clemens Hall, and has two dedicated seminar rooms. The department holds classes in centrally scheduled space throughout the campus, which includes traditional classes and lecture halls that can accommodate the program’s teaching philosophies.

About Our Faculty

The African & African-American Studies program has core faculty within the Department of Africana and American Studies who have distinguished themselves as scholars and teachers. Faculty have been fellows at prestigious scholarly centers such as the Rockefeller Foundation and Woodrow Wilson Center for International Studies. This faculty is joined by renowned affiliated faculty from throughout the university and western New York.

Our faculty have published monographs and articles, edited major journals and served on prestigious scholarly boards in the United States and abroad. They have been awarded distinguished teaching awards. Many faculty serve on the boards of directors of local agencies.

The University at Buffalo is a premier public research university that values and pursues academic excellence. We attract exceptional students who are curious, engaged with their studies, and determined to succeed while making a difference in the world.

The College of Arts and Sciences commits to immersing students in an integrative educational environment. From the arts and humanities to the social and natural sciences, our students follow their calling beyond disciplinary boundaries. Where will your talents lead you?

Faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences are among the most accomplished and dedicated in their fields. More than two-thirds of our full-time faculty have been hired within the last ten years, representing a group of bright, passionate scholars who work to foster a spirit of curiosity, academic rigor, and investment in student success through the creation of new knowledge.

In pursuit of solutions to pressing world problems, our students and faculty work in tandem to rethink current methods, answer tough questions, and ultimately break down barriers to discovery and advancement.