Program Overview
Africana Studies
Explore the histories, cultures, and experiences of people of African descent while building the perspective and skills to engage thoughtfully with today's world.
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A Global Perspective
Explore the histories and cultures of African-descended communities across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and the United States.
Connect Ideas Across Fields
Study history, politics, literature, religion, music, and culture to better understand the Black experience.
Flexible Pathways
Complete Africana Studies as a major, minor, or second major while connecting it to your academic and career interests.
Why Study Africana Studies at Wooster?
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Join a program with more than 40 years of history preparing students to engage thoughtfully with an increasingly interconnected world.
Choose from courses across multiple departments, allowing you to explore the Black experience from a variety of perspectives.
Work closely with faculty in a small-college environment that encourages meaningful discussion, mentorship, and collaboration.
Present your research at regional and national conferences with faculty guidance and support.
Study abroad in countries including South Africa, Senegal, Morocco, Kenya, and Ghana.
Featured Courses
Explore the histories, cultures, and ideas that shape the Black experience around the world.
- Governance and Political Change in Africa
- Global Postcolonial Literature & Film
- Culture & Politics of Black Migration
- Toni Morrison
- Black Masculinity
Expand your perspective through research and experience.
Africana Studies encourages students to ask meaningful questions, pursue original research, and connect classroom learning with contemporary issues. Faculty mentor students as they present research at professional conferences and pursue opportunities for academic and professional growth.
Students can also deepen their understanding of the African diaspora through study abroad experiences in countries including South Africa, Senegal, Morocco, Kenya, and Ghana.
Ready to Explore Africana Studies?
Whether you're interested in education, law, public policy, business, community leadership, or graduate study, Africana Studies prepares you to think critically, communicate thoughtfully, and engage with the world from an informed perspective.
Career Opportunities
Africana Studies graduates develop strong research, communication, and analytical skills that prepare them for a wide variety of careers.
Many also continue their education through graduate and professional programs.
Key Areas
Law
Education
Public policy
Nonprofit organizations
Government
Business
Journalism
Community leadership
Where Our Alumni Go
Africana Studies graduates have worked with organizations including:
- City Year
- Teach For America
- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- Pensacola News
- Ignite Reading
- Values Partnership
- Weatherford International
- University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Graduates have also founded organizations including Chalk to CEO and Forty Acres F.R.E.E. (Financial and Real Estate Education).
Scholarships & Student Opportunities
Africana Studies faculty actively mentor students who wish to present research at regional and national conferences and pursue professional development opportunities throughout their time at Wooster.
Students are also encouraged to broaden their academic experience through study abroad and research opportunities.
Courtney Thompson
Department Chair and Josephine Lincoln Morris Associate Professor of Africana Studies
cothompson@wooster.edu
Josephine Wright
Professor Emerita, Africana Studies and Music
jwright@wooster.edu
Miriam Kilimo
Assistant Professor of Africana Studies
Omar Dieng
Assistant Professor of Africana Studies
Connect With the Department
| Interested in Africana Studies? We'd love to help you learn more about research opportunities, study abroad, conferences, and how the program can support your academic goals. |