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.
First Semester Planning
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 |
Major Exploration Course(s) Recommended for Incoming First-Year Students
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) |
Course recommendations beyond this department
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) |
Additional Information Beyond the Classroom
For your first semester, we want you to focus on selecting appropriate courses, begin to understand the expectations and rigor of college, and identify resources to help you succeed at Rutgers. But, we also know that it is important to provide information for future planning.
In addition to the information below, students interested in exploring possible career options may find this resource from the Office of Career Exploration and Success helpful - you'll find that a degree in this subject prepares you for a wide variety of career options!
What learning opportunities exist in the department beyond the classroom (internships, research, field work, etc.)?
Study Abroad
Is there a departmental Honors track or program?
Yes, the Scholars Project is an honors program that provides outstanding students an opportunity to pursue long-term independent research in Africana Studies. It is a two-term, 12-credit course for majors in the field
