Program Overview

Africana Studies

The major in Africana studies prepares students to become adept critical thinkers, presenters, and researchers, as well as valuable global citizens. Because Africana studies is a multidisciplinary degree program, we offer courses to students of any major—knowledge to expand your worldview and deepen understanding of people of African ancestry.

professor sitting at table along with four other students — Program Director and Associate Professor of Africana studies Darko Opoku teaches African Politics through the First-Year Seminar Program.

Photo credit: Matthew Lester

Program Facts

Program Type: Major, Minor
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Department: Africana Studies

Program Director

Darko Opoku,
Associate Professor of Africana Studies

Contact

David Divins, Administrative Assistant
440-775-8923
afamstud@oberlin.edu

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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. Students who want to heighten their understanding of African, Africana, and African Caribbean traditions choose to live here. Stop in to partake of soul sessions, art shows, and poetry readings, and other happenings.

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Study Away

Broaden your academic experience: 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. Students proficient French can study at the Universities of Dakar and Sheikh Anta Diop in Senegal. Other opportunities are available in the Caribbean and South America.

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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.

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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

Yveline Alexis

Associate Professor of Africana Studies and Comparative American Studies
Pamela (Pam) Brooks

Jane and Eric Nord Associate Professor of Africana Studies
No Photo Available

Talise Campbell

Visiting Assistant Professor of Africana Studies and Dance
Johnny Coleman

Professor of Studio Art and Africana Studies
Justin Emeka ’95

Associate Professor of Theater and Africana Studies
Meredith Gadsby

Associate Professor of Africana Studies and Comparative American Studies
Caroline Jackson Smith

Professor of Theater and Africana Studies
Darko Opoku

Associate Professor of Africana Studies
Charles Peterson

Associate Professor of Africana Studies
Candice Raynor

Director and Faculty in Residence