Amiri Y. Al-Hadid, Ph.D., Head
301 Jane E. Elliott Hall (Women’s Building)
Telephone 615-963-5561
Faculty: M. Monanabela, W. Yefru.
General Statement: The Africana Studies curriculum is based on an African paradigm. It seeks to restore the cultural, economic, political, social, and spiritual links between Africa and her Diaspora. The primary goal of the Department is the practical education of students in the cultures, history, knowledge, and skills of the global African experience.
The Africana Studies core curriculum is designed to give students a solid foundation in African culture, philosophy and worldview. It provides students with a general knowledge base and orientation which is essential for the mastery of the university’s General Education Core and the specialized knowledge of the Africana Studies discipline. Senior seminar and research methods courses prepare students to participate in the community internship and write a senior project. Finally, students are taught how to apply African culture, knowledge and skills to develop the African world community and to remedy social problems that interfere with building institutions and community development.
Career Opportunities: Africana Studies prepares students for advanced studies in graduate and professional schools. It further prepares them for career opportunities in business, education, international affairs, law, the humanities, the behavioral and social sciences, and work in developing communities and nations.
Departmental Requirements 33 Semester Hours
For Bachelor of Science
Africana Studies
The Department of Africana Studies offers a major in Africana Studies leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science. Students must complete a minimum of 120 semester hours in order to receive a B.S. degree. Forty-eight to fifty of these hours must be in the general education core shown below. Thirty-three of these hours must be in the major core outlined below.
Students must earn at least a C in all thirty-three hours of the major core and nine hours of the concentration. If they earn less than a C in any of these courses, they must repeat them until they earn a C or better.
General Education Core
| ENGL 1010, 1020 | Freshman English I, II | 6 |
| (minimum grade of C in each) | ||
| ENGL 2013, 2023 | Black Arts and Literature I, II | 6 |
| HIST 2010, 2020 | American History I, II | 6 |
| ECON 2010 | Principles of Economics I | 3 |
| BIOL 1010, 1011 | Introductory Biology | 3 |
| MATH 1110 | College Algebra I | 3 |
| BIOL 1110,1120, 1111, 1121 or | General Biology I, II or | 8 |
| CHEM 1110, 1120,1111,1121 | or General Chemistry I, II or | 3 |
| PHYS 2110, 2120, 2110L, 2120L | College Physics I, II | 3 |
| ART 1010 or MUSC 1010 | Art Appreciation or Music Appreciation | 3 |
| COMM 2200 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| HPSS 1510 | Health and Wellness | |
| ASOR 1002 | Orientation for Social Science Majors | 1 |
Upper-division Admission
Before students are admitted to the upper division of the degree program, they must have completed all of the above general education courses, in addition to AFAS 2010 and two semesters of a single African language (Arabic, Kiswahili, or Yoruba). They must have earned at least a C in ENGL 1010 and 1020, AFAS 2010, and the African language classes. They must also have removed all high school deficiencies, passed all required remedial/developmental courses, completed the Rising Junior Examination, and earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on college-level course work.
Major Core
| AFAS 1010-1020, or | Arabic I-II | 6 |
| 1030-1040, or | Kiswahili I,II | |
| 1050-1060 | Yoruba I, II | |
| AFAS 2010 | Introduction to Africana Studies | 3 |
| AFAS 2020 | Survey of Africa | 3 |
| AFAS 2030 | African Diaspora | 3 |
| AFAS 3100 | Psychological Impact of Enslavement and Colonization or | 3 |
| AFAS 3900 | Black Nationalism or | |
| AFAS 3950 | Great Debate | |
| AFAS 3920 | Post Independent Africa or | 3 |
| PISI 4920 | Black Politics | |
| AFAS 4400 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| AFAS 4500 | Research Methods | 3 |
| AFAS 4510 | Africana Studies Internship | 3 |
| AFAS 4900 | Senior Project | 3 |
Double Major in African Studies: Students can concurrently pursue a major in Africana Studies and a second major. Double major combinations can be Africana Studies and business, computer science, psychology, history or political science, or any other traditional discipline.
University Honors Program: The Africana Studies Department participates in the University Honors Program by offering AFAS 3952 Honors Great Debate (3) on a regular basis.
Bachelor of Science Degree in
Africana Studies
Suggested Four-Year Plan
FRESHMAN YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| AFAS 2010 | 3 | MATH 1110 | 3 |
| ENGL 1010 | 3 | ENGL 1020 | 3 |
| HIST 2010 | 3 | HIST 2020 | 3 |
| AFAS 1010, 1030, or 1050 | 3 | AFAS 1020, 1040 or 1060 | 3 |
| ART 1010 or ART 2010 or MUSC 2300 | 3 | MUSC 1010, HEA 151 | 3 |
| ASOR 1002 Orientation | 1 | ||
| 16 | 15 |
SOPHOMORE YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| AFAS 2300 | 3 | PHIL 2500 or RELS 2011 | 3 |
| ENGL 2013 | 3 | ENGL 2023 | 3 |
| BIOL/CHEM/PHY/BIOPHY | 4 | BIO/CHEM/PHY/BIOPHY | 4 |
| DOUBLE MAJOR | 6 | ||
| ECON 2010 | 3 | ||
| COMM 2200 | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 |
JUNIOR YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| PSYC 3110 or SOC 3000 | 3 | AFAS 4500 | 3 |
| AFAS 3100 | 3 | Electives/Double Major | 9 |
| Electives/Double Major | 6 | AFAS 4510 | 3 |
| 12 | 15 |
SENIOR YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| AFAS 4450 | 3 | AFAS 4320 | 3 |
| AFAS 4900 | 3 | HIST 4850 or 4860 | 3 |
| HIST 4910 or 4920 3000/4000 LEVEL | 3 | ELECTIVES, 3000/4000 LEVEL | 6 |
| Electives/Double Major | 3 | DOUBLE MAJOR | 3 |
| AFAS ELECTIVE | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 |
Course Descriptions
(AFAS)
AFAS 1010, 1020 Beginning Arabic I, II (3, 3).(Formerly AFAS 101,102). Introduction to a language widely spoken in North Africa and the Middle East . Students are guided through the process of acquisition following an oral approach that stresses classroom participation in a cooperative atmosphere. The aim is to help students gain threshold oral fluency in the language and the ability to read simple text. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.
AFAS 2000, 2001 Intermediate Arabic I, II (3, 3) (Formerly AFAS 201,202). This two semester course in classical Arabic will focus on communication skills in every day life. It will enhance students’ reading, writing and speaking skills through interactive teaching methods.
AFAS 3010, 3020 Advanced Arabic I, II (3, 3). This two semester course shall focus on conversation, comprehension and understanding of the Arabic language in the media and the internet. It will also enhance the students’ ability to express ideas and share opinions in the language.
AFAS 1030, 1040 Beginning Kiswahili I, II (3, 3) (Formerly AFAS 103, 104). Introduction to a language widely spoken in East Africa and parts of Central Southern Africa. Students are guided through the process of acquisition following an oral approach that stresses classroom participation in a cooperative atmosphere. The aim is to help students gain threshold oral fluency in the language and the ability to read simple text. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.
AFAS 1050, 1060 Beginning Yoruba I, II (3, 3) (Formerly AFAS 105, 106). Introduction to a West African language spoken in Nigeria and other parts of Africa . Students are guided through the process of acquisition following an oral approach that stresses classroom participation in a cooperative atmosphere. The aim is to help students gain threshold oral fluency in the language and the ability to read simple text. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.
AFAS 2010 Introduction to Africana Studies (3) (Formerly AFAS 2010). A course which defines the subject matter, concepts, principles, scope, and goals of Africana Studies. Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of Africana Studies, this course is a survey of the African world community, from the perspectives of the humanities and social sciences, science and technology, and the expressive arts. Course may be used to satisfy the University’s social science requirement. Required of all Africana Studies majors.
AFAS 2020 Survey of Africa (3). This course investigates patterns of state-society relations in 21 st century Africa from three perspectives: pre-colonial; colonial and post-independence Africa. Surveys of these periods include conflict resolution; conflict management; ethnic politics; social and economic development.
AFAS 2030 African Diaspora: Cultures, Communities and Nations (3). The African Diaspora is a survey of African descendants living in Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America.
AFAS 2110 Cultural Anthropology of Africa (3). The course focuses on the Paleolithic period of Africa in the Nile Valley . Special attention shall be given to the people of the Nile Valley areas and Northeast Africa , Upper Kemet , Nubia , the Fayum, Middle Kemet and the Libyan oasis.
AFAS 2120 Physical Anthropology of Africa (3). This course is a scientific study of the origin of modern Homo sapiens, the genetic reconstruction of human history based on paleontology research. Topics include the history of Austropiticus, Aegyptopiticus, Dryopithecus, Ramapiticus and Zinzathropus.
AFAS 3000 African Male: Identity, Culture, and Expressions (3) (Formerly AFAS 300). Analysis of the situation of African males in the United States , Africa , the Caribbean , and South America . Particular attention is given to “rites of passage” and males’ socialization from birth to manhood in these societies.
AFAS 3050 African Female: Identity, Socialization, and Status (3) (Formerly AFAS 305). A comparative study of the traditions, continuity, and changes affecting girls and women of African descent in the U.S. , Africa , the Caribbean , and South America . Course uses both literary works and social science studies to explore the portrayals of and historical contexts for the lives of females of African descent, focusing on concepts of girlhood, social status, and sexuality, as well as on discrimination experienced by these women.
AFAS 3100 Psychological Impact of Enslavement and Colonization (3) (Formerly AFAS 310). Critical examination of Enslavement and colonization on the minds and institutions of Africans throughout the world. Either this course, AFAS 3900 or AFAS 3950 is required of all Africana Studies majors.
AFAS 3600 African Extended Family (3) (Formerly AFAS 360). Study in the extended family as a cultural form of social and political organization in Africa . Since the first form of the traditional family in Africa was the extended family, emphasis is placed on the values of communalism, collective work, cooperative economics, and community self-reliance. Attention is given to the family as the basic unit of social organization in African cultures.
AFAS 3620 The African-American Family (3) (Formerly AFAS 362). An examination of the dynamics of the African-American family. The course studies the institution of marriage, customs, male/female relationships, and value orientation. Special attention is given to both the nuclear family and the extended family in the African-American community.
AFAS 3650 The African-American Community (3) (Formerly AFAS 365) . An examination of the dynamics of the African-American community. Attention is given to phenomena such as the family, religious institutions, political organizations, human rights organizations, economics, health care education, and social problems such as violence, drugs, and dysfunctional families.
AFAS 3700 Malik El-Shabazz Seminar (3). This course shall chronologically and systematically explore the transformations of Malcolm Little to Malcolm X and finally to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. The primary focus of the course shall be the cultural, historical, political, social and spiritual dimensions of these transformations.
AFAS 3850 Caribbean Societies and Modernization (3) (Formerly AFAS 385). An examination of the historical significance of the Caribbean in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, and the connections between Africans born in the United States and Africans born in the Caribbean. Course also examines the nation-building efforts of these countries and development problems created by the world political economy in their domestic and foreign policies.
AFAS 3900 Black Nationalism (3) (Formerly AFAS 390). A survey of the various Black Nationalist and Pan-African movements that emerged between 1850 and the present. Special attention is given to the movements of Martin Delaney, Edward Blyden, Marcus Garvey, the Nation of Islam, and other contemporary groups. Either this course AFAS 3100 or AFAS 3950 is required of all Africana Studies majors.
AFAS 3920 Post Independent Africa (3) (Formerly AFAS 392). A study of traditional African societies, the constraints of colonization on their development, and the transformation of the traditional societies through the processes of industrialization and modernization. Either this course or PISI 4920 (Black Politics) is required of all Africana Studies majors.
AFAS 3950 The Great Debate: Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X (3) (Formerly AFAS 395). A critical examination of the philosophies of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X), and a synthesis of these two perspectives. The climax of the course is a debate in which the students argue important issues from these three perspectives. Traditional African ceremonies and cultural vignettes are an integral part of this debate. Either this course or AFAS 3100 or AFAS 3900 is required of all Africana Studies majors.
AFAS 3952 Honors Great Debate (3) (Formerly AFAS 445H). Course examines the thoughts of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X). Students study how the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Mohandas K. Gandhi, Henry David Thoreau, and Marcus Garvey influenced the epistemologies and paradigms of King and El-Shabazz. Enrollment is restricted to students in the University Honors Program.
AFAS 4000 Political Economy of African Nations (3) (Formerly AFAS 400). Concentration on the culture, human resources, natural resources, and political structures of African nations. Attention is given to the constraints of the world political economy on education, housing, transportation, medical and health care, food production, and industrial and technological development of African nations. Prerequisite: admission to upper level.
AFAS 4070 Political Economy of the African-American Community (3) (Formerly AFAS 407). An examination of the unequal distribution of incomes, occupations, and education in the African-American community. Particular attention is given to poverty and unemployment rates, and how these variables have impact on the socio-economic status of African-Americans. Attention is also given to professionals and the dynamics of African-American businesses. Prerequisite: admission to upper level.
AFAS 4100 Mentorship in Africana Studies (3) (Formerly AFAS 410). Mentorship with professor in a well defined area of practice, such as assisting in the teaching of a specific course, a research project, or a community development project. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisites: admission to upper level and permission of instructor.
AFAS 4200 Media, Social Change, and Mass Empowerment (3) (Formerly AFAS 420). An examination of how the mass media are used as agents of oppression in world African communities. This analysis is followed by an exploration of the media’s potential to serve as an instrument of humane social change and mass empowerment. Prerequisites: AFAS 2010 and admission to upper level.
AFAS 4320 Spiritual Empowerment and Transformation (3) (Formerly AFAS 432). An introduction to the spiritual core of African cosmology and civilization. Exploration of selected classical and contemporary African spiritual paradigms and their potential to empower and transform. Prerequisite: admission to upper level.
AFAS 4400 Senior Seminar (3) (Formerly AFAS 440). As the capstone course in the department, a culmination of the knowledge, practical experiences, and solutions that students have acquired as a result of their matriculation in the curriculum. Prerequisite: admission to upper level. Required of all Africana Studies majors.
AFAS 4450 Classical African Civilizations (3) (Formerly AFAS 445). An advanced seminar to explore in depth some aspect of ancient civilizations of Africa . It concentrates on such topics as cosmology and primordial philosophy. Particular attention is given to Kemetic astronomy, mathematics, the solar calendar, and the writing system.
AFAS 4455 Advertising and Marketing in African Communities (3) (Formerly AFAS 445B). Emphasis on the principles and practices of African-centered advertising and marketing. Course focuses on market analysis and the design and implementation of culturally appropriate advertising and marketing strategies in African communities. The course may operate as an advertising and marketing firm, working with real clients in the African community. Course is taught from a liberal arts perspective.
AFAS 4456 Business Opportunities in Africa (3) (Formerly AFAS 445C). Students learn how to assess business opportunities in Africa . Emphasis is on meeting real needs of African people and on socially responsible business practices. Course includes an examination of cultural paradigms that undergird entrepreneurial philosophy and practice in Africa . Students draft comprehensive business opportunity reports. Course is taught from a liberal arts perspective.
AFAS 4500 Research Methods in Africana Studies (3) (Formerly AFAS 450W). Consideration of the methods of documenting and representing reality, including issues of cultural and political paradigms, aesthetics, and ethics. Both quantitative and qualitative designs are examined. A writing-intensive course. Prerequisites: AFAS 2010 and admission to upper level. Required of all Africana Studies majors.
AFAS 4510 Africana Studies Internship (3-6) (Formerly AFAS 451). A practicum experience in which students are given the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained from course work in Africana Studies. Students are placed in agencies that are addressing concerns, issues, and problems in the African community. Empirical data from this experience are used for writing the senior project. Course may be repeated once for a maximum total of six hours of credit. Prerequisites: admission to upper level and permission of Department head.
AFAS 4600 Independent Studies and Research (3-6) (Formerly AFAS 460). Course designed to allow students to work independently or in groups on significant topics and projects not covered in other courses. Students carry out their work through a preceptorial arrangement with instructor. May be repeated once for a maximum total of six hours of credit. Prerequisites: admission to upper level and permission of instructor.
AFAS 4900 Senior Project: Theory, Practice, and Solutions (3) (Formerly AFAS 490).A scholarly and scientific project in which students bring to bear the knowledge and skills they have acquired in the Africana Studies major. Prerequisites: admission to upper level candidacy and AFAS 4500. Required of all Africana Studies majors.