a professor and a student facing each other talking
Emeritus Professor of Africana studies Booker Peek talks with a student about current events. Photo credit: John Seyfried
College of Arts and Sciences

Africana Studies

Program Type:
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Africana studies prepares students, not only as adept critical thinkers, presenters, and researchers, but also as valuable global citizens. Because Africana studies is a multidisciplinary department, we offer courses to students of any major—knowledge to expand your worldview and deepen understanding of people of African ancestry.

Program Director

Darko Opoku

Associate Professor of Africana Studies
Department Affiliation
Africana Studies
Contact

David Divins

Administrative Assistant 440-775-8923

Why Study Africana Studies at Oberlin?

12
Associated Faculty
18
Variety of Courses
1
Program House

Afrikan Heritage House

Students majoring in Africana studies have the option of living in Afrikan Heritage House, a residence hall and the college’s black collective and cultural center. Afrikan Heritage House welcomes students who want to heighten their understanding of African, Africana, and African-Caribbean traditions and issues. Stop in to partake of soul sessions, art shows, and poetry readings, the Kuumba festival, and other happenings.

Study Away

If you wish to broaden your academic experience, you can study away in the English-speaking countries of Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania, where students are placed at universities or accommodated in international programs. Student proficient French can study at the Universities of Dakar and Sheikh Anta Diop in Senegal. Other study-abroad opportunities are available in the Caribbean and South America.

Student Clubs and Organizations

With nearly 200 student groups and clubs from which to choose, you’d be hard pressed not to get involved in something. From politics to faith and identity, and from counseling to sports, Oberlin has an array of clubs open to new and returning students.

Sample Courses

  • AAST 101 - Introduction to Africana Studies 4 credits
  • AAST 191 - West African Dance II 4 credits
  • AAST 268 - Black Arts Workshop 4 credits
  • AAST 357 - Empire and Resistance in the Caribbean (Haiti, Jamaica, Grenada, & Trinidad) 4 credits
View course catalog for requirements

Africana Studies Faculty

The multidisciplinary Africana Studies Program draws its chair, faculty, and affiliate faculty from throughout the college, who are committed to teaching wide-ranging subjects concerning the African and black experience. Subject specialties include African history, African diaspora, Africana philosophy, film, art, politics, and black feminist theories.

Explore Faculty within Africana Studies

Africana Studies Faculty

Africana Studies News

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