African American and African Diaspora Studies (BA)

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Offered by the Critical Race, Gender, and Culture Studies Collaborative , College of Arts and Sciences , the BA in African American and African Diaspora Studies is a rigorous interdisciplinary program that examines African American culture in the continental United States in the context of the cultures of the African diaspora. The program provides students with an understanding of the rich history and cultures of African American peoples in the United States, with opportunities to explore contemporary and historical African cultures, theories of racial ideology and race politics, and the distinctive artistic, literary and cultural practices of African people worldwide.

Admission to the Program

Formal admission to the program requires a grade point average of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) and the approval of the program director.

University Requirements

120 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better
Completion of college writing requirement
Completion of university mathematics requirement

General Education Requirements

A total of ten courses, consisting of two courses from each of the five foundational areas
At least one course from Area Five: The Natural and Mathematical Sciences must include a laboratory science component
No more than two courses may be taken in the same discipline

Major Requirements

36 credit hours with grades of C or better, including at least 18 credit hours at or above the 300-level

Course Requirements

Core (3 credit hours)

AFAM-200 African Americans in the Diaspora (3)

Foundation (9 credit hours)

Complete 9 credit hours from the following:

Internship (3 credit hours)

AFAM-491 Internship in African American and African Diaspora Studies (1-6) (3 credit hours required)

Electives (18 credit hours)

Complete 18 credit hours from the following or other courses approved by advisor, including at least 3 credit hours from each of the following areas:

Note: Courses should represent a mix of social sciences and the humanities, as well as courses both on African American culture and experience and on the analysis of race as a construct.

Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees

American University offers students the opportunity to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees through its combined bachelor’s/master’s programs. See Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for more information.