Mission & Objectives

Mission Statement

Africana Studies at Bowling Green State University is an interdisciplinary program devoted to the exploration and advancement of new frontiers of scholarship on the artistic, historical, cultural, political, and theoretical expressions of the various cultures of Africa and the African Diaspora worldwide.

Program Objectives

In our rapidly interdependent world, it is increasingly recognized, both locally and nationally, that knowledge of cultures beyond the boundaries of the United States is a great asset in improving individual and collective ability to function cooperatively and effectively. Drawing on various disciplinary fields represented in colleges, schools, and departments from across the University campus to strengthen students' liberal arts backgrounds, Africana studies prepares students to cope with a world of racial and cultural diversity. Students are imparted with comprehensive knowledge of Africana peoples through classroom instruction, archival research, and study abroad experience. These specific program objectives of Africana Studies at BGSU serves as an important foundation for students to build upon and provides them the versatility needed in a changing world:

• Providing students the opportunity to explore topics, issues and research from cross-cultural, international, transnational, and multidisciplinary perspectives
  
• Preparing students for responsible citizenship and personal fulfillment in the new global community
  
• Building a body of knowledge with an international, interdisciplinary curriculum about peoples and cultures in Africa and African Diaspora locations
  
• Enhancing students' academic skills of critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and the ability to synthesize knowledge and informational sources
  
• 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
  
• Providing students with experiences in communal cooperation and networking by fostering interdepartmental, interdisciplinary, and intercollegiate collaboration as on-going, programmatic activities of Africana Studies.

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.