Departmental Mission

The current goal of African and Afro-American Studies at UNC-CH is to give specific and precise attention to the histories, cultures, and cultural linkages of the peoples of Africa and their descendants in the New World. Although students must concentrate in either African or Afro-American Studies, all majors must gain competence in both areas and thereby come to understand the cultural and historical continuities and contrasts between Africa and the African New World.

The purpose of the African Studies concentration is to develop an analytical approach to contemporary Africa. Courses stress the importance of traditional values and institutions to the definition of modern African society, and stress the historic range of commercial and political relationships with Europe and the New World. The purpose of the concentration in Afro-American Studies is to develop a broad knowledge of the history and culture of the peoples of African descent in the Americas and the significant social, political, economic, and humanistic issues they face.

Graduate School and Career Opportunities

The skills and perspectives of African and Afro-American Studies provide an excellent background for students considering careers in international development, education, business, government, or diplomacy. Students concentrating in African and Afro-American Studies go on to a wide variety of managerial, teaching, and research positions. Other careers for which an African or Afro-American Studies concentration is excellent preparation include law, the foreign service, various positions in government, communications, social work, community development, and public administration.

Programs of Study

The degree offered is Bachelor of Arts in African and Afro-American Studies, with a concentration either in Afro-American Studies or African Studies. Minors in Afro-American Studies or African Studies are also offered.

For more information please contact:

Julius E. Nyang'oro, Chair, Department of African & Afro-American Studies, CB 3395, 109 Battle Hall, UNC-CH, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3395. Telephone: (919) 966-5496 Fax: (919) 962-2694