WMU reinstates African American and African Studies major and minor

Western Michigan University has announced plans to reinstate an updated major and minor this fall that emphasize the historical and contemporary cultures and experiences of African Americans, Africans and people from the African diaspora.

Housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, the reestablished undergraduate programs stem from WMU’s Africana Studies program. The highly anticipated major and minor will allow students to choose a concentration in either African American Studies or African Studies, or a combination of the two.

“We are delighted to open enrollment for these two deeply relevant and very important programs,” says Dr. Carla Koretsky, College of Arts and Sciences dean. “The AAAS major and minor will provide our students with a greater understanding of the history, cultures and current issues pertaining to peoples of African ancestry. Students will gain essential preparation for civic leadership, professional roles in the public and private sectors, graduate school and other opportunities for employment and service.”

AFRICAN AMERICAN AND AFRICAN STUDIES

As part of an intentional community of scholars, students will have the opportunity to engage in critical study of the black diasporic cultural traditions, conditions, race and ethnic relations in Africa, the Caribbean basin, and especially North America. Studies will focus on the essential, organic role black people and their cultures have played in shaping the societies in which they live.

The updated curricula will offer students opportunities for internships, study abroad and independent study of special topics. Students will gain competency in critical thinking and analysis, as well as oral and written communication linked to rigorous historical and contemporary content knowledge regarding the social, economic and political processes that peoples of African descent have faced and continue to face.

Collaboration with the community remains a key element of the programs, which will also support local events and activities to deepen and enliven knowledge of the experiences and cultures of peoples of African descent.

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