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

Pamela (Pam) Brooks

Chair and Jane and Eric Nord Associate Professor of Africana Studies
Department Affiliation
Africana Studies
Contact

David Divins

Administrative Assistant 440-775-8923

Why is Studying Africana Studies at Oberlin Unique?

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 the Black Experience 4 credits
  • AAST 245 - The Harlem Renaissance 4 credits
  • AAST 346 - Contemporary African American Literature: 1960-Present 4 credits
  • AAST 347 - Culture, History, and Identity: Caribbean Literature and the Politics of Survival 4 credits
View course catalog for requirements

Africana Studies Faculty

Explore Faculty within Africana Studies

Africana Studies Faculty

Affiliated Faculty

Adenike Sharpley

Artist in Residence
View all faculty

Africana Studies News

African Art Gets New Home

February 8, 2017
The Allen Memorial Art Museum has 107 African art objects in its collection. With the opening on February 2, 25 objects are now on view. The installation was curated by students in the fall 2016 seminar, African Art in Museums: From Collection to Display.

Curricular Collaboration in Detroit

December 22, 2016
A curricular collaboration took place when two classes visited Detroit to meet with community members who are leading the charge for sustainability and revitalization efforts in the city's predominantly African American neighborhoods.
View all Africana Studies news

Life After Oberlin

Oberlin graduates move on to a variety of careers in their chosen field and in related professions.

Meet Notable Alumni From Oberlin

Jumoke Hinton Hodge

1985 OUSD Board of Education Director, Oakland Unified School District

Jason Williams

2005 CEO/Founder at Get with the Program, Inc.

Sadye L. Compoamor

2006 Director of Community Affairs at NYC Department of Education

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