Bachelor of Arts
College of Arts and Sciences

The Africana Studies Program has a planned major and minor in the College of Arts and Sciences. The major allows students to pursue an interdisciplinary approach to study by taking courses in a variety of disciplines. The historical, cultural, literary and artistic contributions of people of African descent worldwide will form the substance and focus of this major.

Career Opportunities

Various career opportunities are available in law and education, government and policy studies, and international relations and diplomatic service. The Africana Studies Program gives students who have majored in marketing, publishing, advertising, consulting, Internet and media services and public relations an area of specialization. In addition, students can seek employment with non-profit organizations and public agencies such as museums and public archives.

Dual Degree

Majors may acquire a dual degree. Semester hours required for a dual degree in Africana Studies and another disciplines are divided between the two fields by a cooperative plan. This plan allows majors to acquire the Africana Studies specialty while also majoring in another discipline in the arts and humanities or in scientific and technical fields, affording expanded career and employment opportunities.

Graduate Study

Africana Studies prepares students for graduate or professional training in languages, law, philosophy, social sciences, ethnic and women's studies, literature, communications and business. Students are well equipped for graduate studies in the arts and humanities and those with a double major further increase their options.

Program Objectives

The breadth and intensity offered by Africana Studies will prepare students for responsible citizenship and personal fulfillment in the new global community. Africana Studies seeks to provide students comprehensive knowledge of the history, culture, literature and art of Africana peoples through classroom instruction, archival research and study abroad. Program objectives include:

· Building a body of knowledge with an international, interdisciplinary curriculum about peoples and cultures in Africa and African Diaspora locations ;

· Enhancing students' academic skills such as critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and the ability to synthesize knowledge and informational sources based in communication and computer technologies;

· Providing a resource unit for BGSU and for regional teachers, school systems, and businesses;

· Offering a platform of forums, including awards programs and colloquia, for the exhibition of students' meritorious achievements and ideas ;

· Equipping students with techniques designed to promote historical perspective, social consciousness, and relational skills that will create career opportunities in both academia and service sectors; and

· Providing students with experiences in communal cooperation and networking by fostering interdepartmental, interdisciplinary and intercollegiate collaboration as on-going, programmatic activities of Africana Studies.

The above training serves as an important foundation for students to build upon and provides them the versatility needed in a changing world.

High School Preparation

Prospective majors should follow a college preparatory curriculum that includes four units (credits) of English, three units of science, three units of social studies, two units of the same foreign language and one unit of the visual or performing arts. Students who have not taken the recommended courses may be required to take University courses to make up any deficiencies.