Africana Studies Major (36 hours)

The Africana Studies Program offers an interdisciplinary major with two emphasis options: (1) Black Americana Studies and (2) African Studies. The major is a concentration of 36 credit hours in work from required core courses and a combination of electives. Both major options integrate a language requirement that emphasizes the importance of foreign language study. However, the Black Americans Studies option provides for studying a foreign language in the United or abroad. Students in the African Studies option are strongly encouraged to look into the study abroad opportunities available through the Africana Studies Program and the Diether H. Haenicke Institute. Students who have chosen the Africana Studies major will satisfy the baccalaureate writing requirement by successfully completing AFS 3800: Special Topics in Africana Literature and Culture.

Black Americana Studies Option (36 hours)

1. Core Requirements (16 to 19 hours)

AFS 2000 - Introduction and Foundations to Africana Studies Credits: 3 hours
AFS 3000 - Black Experience: From the African Beginnings to 1865 Credits: 3 hours
AFS 3010 - Black Experience: From 1866 to the Present Credits: 3 hours
AFS 4650 - Internship in Africana Studies Credits: 3 to 6 hours

2. World Language/Foreign Study Requirement (3 to 8 hours)

This requirement can be met in one of two ways: By earning world language credit through foreign study (A-S 3300-3310) or by taking at one course beyond the 1010-level in any world language (French, German, Spanish, or Arabic recommended).

3. Electives (sufficient to bring major total to 36 hours)

Elective courses focusing on Africa or the African-American experience must be approved by the Africana Studies advisor from among courses offered at WMU by the Africana Studies faculty or appropriate courses in other departments.

African Studies Option (36 hours)

1. Core Requirements (13 hours)

AFS 2000 - Introduction and Foundations to Africana Studies Credits: 3 hours
AFS 3000 - Black Experience: From the African Beginnings to 1865 Credits: 3 hours
AFS 3010 - Black Experience: From 1866 to the Present Credits: 3 hours

2. World Language/Foreign Study Requirement (3 to 8 hours)

3. Electives (sufficient to bring major total to 36 hours)

Elective courses focusing on the continent of Africa must be approved by the Africana Studies advisor from among courses offered at WMU. At least one of these courses must be at the 3000-level or higher. Courses may be from a variety of departments. See advisor for the list of electives.