Africana Studies

Department Overview

Since the late 1960s, when Oberlin College created a Black Studies Department that evolved into today’s Africana studies department, the college has offered a socially relevant education that has received national recognition. Students may either earn a major or minor in this field. Many are double majors, combining this course of study with theater, sociology, religion, or other social sciences.

As an academic major, 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. Students explore key aspects of black life in Africa, the Caribbean, the United States, Europe, and the Americas. This pluralistic approach to the curriculum gives students a fuller appreciation of all cultures.  

In addition, our faculty and staff offer programs and services in cooperation with 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.