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Africana Studies BA
Engage in an interdisciplinary exploration of a worldwide diaspora in Africana Studies.
With our Africana Studies bachelor's degree you'll shift paradigms and create new ways of seeing and knowing.
RIC's Africana Studies Program examines the historical, social, political, cultural, literary, artistic and intellectual development of the African diaspora, preparing students for a range of professional, academic, advocacy and community-development careers.
Africana Studies Career Opportunities
- History Teacher
- College Professor
- Cultural Resources Manager
- Historian
- Journalist
- DEI Consultant
Why Earn an Africana Studies Bachelor's Degree at Rhode Island College?
- Africana Studies majors benefit from an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines social/behavioral sciences, humanities, the arts, history, literature and more.
- Our program is committed to furthering the Black intellectual tradition that centers the study of Black life on the perspectives of Black people.
- An Africana Studies degree provides an ideal foundation for students who aspire to careers in academia, education, law, public policy and social work.
- Topics covered include: race and justice, African American history, community psychology, sociology, African American literature and art history.
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We're thrilled that you're interested in Rhode Island College and we want to make sure that nothing stands in your way of pursuing a RIC degree. Just let us know how we can help you with your next steps.
RIC’s Africana Studies program is one of the oldest Black studies programs in New England.
Our Africana Studies Faculty
Dr. Sadhana Bery
- Assistant Professor
Dr. Sherri Cummings
- Assistant Professor
Hear from a Student
Charina Herrera
“Without the Africana Studies program, I would not be where I am today. It created a paradigm shift in me – it became clear that none of us will be free until all of us are free. The program gave me the foundation and inspiration to continue to love, study and struggle.”
– Africana Studies Major
Becoming an Agent for Change
Amplifying the joy in the Black community rather than the pain.
Program Details
Program/Learning Goals
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- recall historical chronology that gave rise to the field of Africana studies
- identify the important contributors to the field, and explain the relevance of the field for both the academy and society
- recite major events, dates and persons in the chronology of the global Black experience
- demonstrate familiarity with the history and impact of resistance against racism, colonialism, enslavement, poverty and injustice
- discuss sociological and psychological theories with reference to global Black experiences
- cite the principle contributions of major literary, musical and artistic figures in the Black experience
- show how the experiences of Black people have been an integral part of American and world history
- demonstrate college-level skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, researching and reasoning
In short, Africana studies students should be able to negotiate the transdisciplinary relationship among the anthropological, historical, psychological, religious, sociological, aesthetic/literary, linguistic, economic, political, medical, scientific and technological areas of black life.
Minor in Africana Studies
Declaring a minor allows you to explore other areas of interest and make interdisciplinary connections. Minor areas at RIC complement and reinforce all major areas of study. By declaring a minor, you can set yourself apart as a candidate for job, internship and volunteer opportunities.
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Africana Studies Program
The Africana Studies Program at Rhode Island College is one of the oldest Black studies programs in New England. We offer a transdisciplinary curriculum in the arts, humanities and social/behavioral sciences.
- phone401-456-9035
- placeCraig Lee 047
