Bachelor in Africana Studies Program

Africana Studies is an interdisciplinary minor that examines the culture and experiences of African people and those who make up the African Diaspora throughout the world. Relevant courses come from a variety of disciplines including literature, history, sociology, economics, politics, art and music. This minor grew out of the African American Studies minor, which began during the fall term of 2005. Students need only 21 credits (7 courses) to complete the minor.

Each year we offer AFCA 130 (An Introduction to Africana Studies) and a capstone course which is an independent study project. Annually, the Minor brings noted speakers to campus; sponsors multiple student and faculty events; and supports university efforts to offer a more diverse and rich curriculum that accurately reflects and represents America's cultural complexity. We invite all W&L students to experience our courses and join our investigation of fundamental issues and triumphs.

Students interested in Global history or politics, The Atlantic World, International Law, International Relations, World Economics, African American Studies, Comparative Literature, and Africa should consider this minor.

The College is the heart of the Washington and Lee liberal arts education. It is the home of twenty-one departments, four interdepartmental majors, and seven interdepartmental programs. Students may earn either the B.A. or B.S. degree in thirty-seven different majors and may also pursue one or more of thirty-six minors.

The more than 140 faculty members in the College, in departments ranging from Music to Geology to Religion, are dedicated to nurturing the intellectual capacity and curiosity of our students in an environment of collaborative inquiry. All first-year students are members of the College, and typically take a range of courses in the liberal arts in preparation for selecting a major course of study.