Intercultural and Anthropological Studies

Various soil samples being filled with water during an Anthropology Department exercise.

Institute for Intercultural and Anthropological Studies
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5494 USA
(269) 387-2505

African American and African Studies Program

The African American and African Studies (AAAS) program at Western Michigan University prepares students to become civic leaders and global citizens, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to address the complexities of human diversity, oppression, governance, and liberation. This interdisciplinary program offers a rich exploration of the history, culture, and experiences of African Americans, Africans, and peoples of African ancestry.

Circle of hands from the Anthropology departments study abroad in Africa

Why Study AAAS?

Through a curriculum rooted in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, students in the AAAS program will:

  • Gain critical thinking and analysis skills to evaluate complex social, economic, cultural, and political dynamics.
  • Develop oral and written communication skills essential for effective leadership.
  • Broaden their understanding of human diversity, inclusion, and the contributions of African-descended peoples to world civilizations.
  • Acquire the tools to conduct independent research on topics related to African and African American experiences.
  • Use technology to advance professional and personal goals.

 

Career and Academic Pathways

Graduates of the AAAS program are well-prepared for careers in: 

  • Law, public policy, and public affairs
  • Social sciences and education
  • Health and human services
  • Global and international studies
  • Community development and urban planning

Many students also pursue advanced degrees in these and related fields, leveraging their interdisciplinary education to create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

 

Beyond the Classroom

The AAAS program fosters a vibrant, inclusive community where students, faculty, and staff collaborate and engage in co-curricular activities that:

  • Support a critical understanding of the lives and cultures of African-descended peoples.
  • Address pressing issues such as race, ethnicity, immigration, inequality, gender, social class, environmental justice, and civic engagement.

Students are encouraged to participate in events and initiatives that connect classroom learning to real-world challenges and opportunities. 

 

Study Abroad and World Language Requirement

To broaden their global perspective, AAAS majors must complete at least 8 credit hours of world language or study abroad courses. Options include:

  • Earning world language credit through study abroad programs (A-S 3300–3310).
  • Taking at least one course beyond the 1010 level in any world language (French, German, Spanish, or Arabic recommended).

Students are especially encouraged to pursue study abroad opportunities in Africa or the Caribbean to deepen their understanding of African-descended cultures and lifestyles. 

Anthropology Study Abroad trip to Ghana group photo of attendees

Academic Tracks and Requirements

AAAS Major

The African American and African Studies (AAAS) program at Western Michigan University offers an interdisciplinary major with two distinct tracks:

  • African American Studies
  • African Studies

This 36-credit hour major combines required core courses with a variety of electives, allowing students to tailor their academic experience to their interests. Both tracks emphasize the importance of world language study, integrating a language requirement that enhances students' global perspectives. 

  • The African American Studies track allows students to fulfill the language requirement through study in the United States or abroad.
  • The African Studies track strongly encourages students to pursue study abroad opportunities, supported by the AAAS program and the Haenicke Institute for Global Education.

Students selecting the African Studies track will meet the baccalaureate writing requirement by completing AAAS 3800: Special Topics in Africana Literature and Culture.

African American Studies

See the catalog for course descriptions and prerequisites.

  • AAAS 2000 - Introduction to African American and African Studies, Credits: 3 hours
  • AAAS 3000 - African American and African History, Culture and Experience to 1865, Credits: 3 hours
  • AAAS 3010 - African American History, Culture and Experience from 1866 to the Present, Credits: 3 hours
  • AAAS 4650 - Internship in African American and African Studies, Credits: 3 to 6 hours

This requirement can be met in one of two ways:

  • By earning world language credit through study abroad (A-S 3300-3310)
  • By taking at least one course beyond the 1010 level in any world language (French, German, Spanish or Arabic recommended).

Students are encouraged to pursue study abroad opportunities that expose them to the culture and lifestyles of peoples of African ancestry, preferably in Africa or the Caribbean.

Students must complete at least 15 credit hours (six at 2000 or below, nine at 3000 or above) from a combination of approved electives in AAAS or in other departments. An AAAS advisor must approve elective courses. Contact an advisor for approved electives.

African Studies 

See the catalog for course descriptions and prerequisites.

  • AAAS 2000 - Introduction to African American and African Studies, Credits: 3 hours
  • AAAS 3000 - African and African American History, Culture and Experience to 1865, Credits: 3 hours
  • AAAS 3010 - African American History, Culture and Experience from 1866 to the Present, Credits: 3 hours
  • HIST 3880 - Introduction to African Civilization, Credits: 3 hours (Highly recommended)

This requirement can be met in one of two ways

  • By earning world language credit through study abroad (A-S 3300-3310).
  • By taking at least one course beyond the 1010 level in any world language (French, German, Spanish or Arabic recommended).

Students are encouraged to pursue study abroad opportunities that expose them to the culture and lifestyles of peoples of African ancestry, preferably in Africa or the Caribbean.

Students must complete at least 15 credit hours (six at the 2000 level or below; nine at the 3000 level or above) from a combination of courses in AAAS or other departments at WMU. An AAAS advisor must approve electives. See advisor for the list of electives.

AAAS Minor

The African American and African Studies minor at Western Michigan University requires:

  • 12 hours of core requirements
  • 6 hours (minimum) of electives

African American and African Studies

See the catalog for course descriptions and prerequisites.

  • AAAS 2000 - Introduction to African American and African Studies, Credits: 3 hours
  • AAAS 3000 - African and African American History, Culture and Experience to 1865, Credits: 3 hours
  • AAAS 3010 - African American History, Culture and Experience from 1866 to the Present, Credits: 3 hours
  • HIST 3880 - Introduction to African Civilization, Credits: 3 hours

It is recommended that students meet with an AAAS advisor to select electives from the list below based on an emphasis in:

  • African American Studies
  • African Studies

Choose two courses from the list below:

  • AAAS 2100 - Comparative Approaches to Forms of Black Consciousness, Credits: 3 hours
  • AAAS 3100 - The Black Woman: Historical Perspective and Contemporary Status, Credits: 3 hours
  • AAAS 3140 - The Black Community in Historical and Contemporary Perspective, Credits: 3 hours
  • ANTH 1500 - Race, Biology, and Culture, Credits: 3 hours
  • ANTH 3410 - Global Africa Past and Present, Credits: 3 hours
  • ANTH 3470 - Ethnicity/Multiculturalism, Credits: 3 hours
  • ECON 3880 - African Economies, Credits: 3 hours
  • ENGL 2230 - African American Literature, Credits: 4 hours
  • ENGL 3140 - African Literature, Credits: 3 hours
  • GEOG 3860 - Geography of Africa, Credits: 3 hours
  • HIST 3280 - African-American History and Culture, Credits: 3 hours
  • HIST 3880 - Introduction to African Civilization, Credits: 3 hours
  • PSCI 3000 - Urban Politics in the United States, Credits: 3 hours
  • PSCI 3410 - The Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa, Credits: 4 hours
  • SOC 3140 - Ethnic Relations, Credits: 3 hours
  • THEA 1050 - Introduction to African-American Theatre, Credits: 3 hours

 

Ready to Begin?

Explore our course offerings and course schedules, and visit our WES Clusters page to discover how you can incorporate AAAS into your Essential Studies, focusing on themes like social justice, global consciousness, or global diversity.