University of Maryland, Baltimore County - Department of Africana Studies

The Department of Africana Studies (AFST) provides students of all ethnic, national and cultural backgrounds the necessary tools to understand, critically evaluate, analyze and interpret events and phenomena that structure the experiences, possibilities and dynamics of the people of African descent in the United States, Africa and its Diasporas. AFST students are offered a broad array of courses addressing cultural, economic, historical, political, psychological and sociological issues that affect peoples of African descent from diverse disciplinary and comparative perspectives. Africana Studies at UMBC offers a rigorous and challenging academic program that prepares students to think and write critically and clearly, engage in research and service, argue persuasively, and effectively solve problems. AFST adopts an interdisciplinary approach that is sensitive to the interests and outlook of the people of African descent and their contributions to the interdependent global world through human development and civilization, arts and the sciences. Mission The Department of Africana Studies provides students of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds the opportunity to gain detailed knowledge of African Diasporan experience. Through rigorous course work , students gain a comprehensive overview of the contribution of African peoples to world history, as well as their literary, artistic, political, psychological, scientific, and technological contributions in the Americas, Africa, and other parts of the world. When combined with available research and internship opportunities, this curriculum prepares students for graduate and professional study in a wide array of areas, and it allows them to pursue careers in such fields as public affairs, law, foreign service, health, government, social work, education, the visual and performing arts and business and management. The major in Africana Studies affords students the full range of intellectual and interdisciplinary skills commensurate with a liberal arts education, namely those of reading and thinking critically, reasoning logically and analytically, writing effectively, speaking fluently, and having a basic understanding of the use of quantitative, i.e., statistical, information. Once having completed the major requirements, students are equipped to demonstrate their knowledge of the histories of Africans and African Diasporan peoples, write critical essays and conduct independent research on Diasporan issues and topics, and develop and utilize strategies designed to alleviate problems in their communities. Through required learning, research, and internship activities, students thus are afforded experiences that encourage them to make learning a lifelong pursuit, stay well-informed about issues and problems impacting African and African Diasporic communities, and be motivated to provide service to their communities.