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African American & African Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study in the humanities, arts, and social sciences. This major introduces students to the social, cultural, historical, and artistic dimensions of global African Diaspora and Black communities in the United States, Africa, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Pacific regions of the world. The instructors are creative, accessible and highly qualified, with specializations across a range of disciplines. Students are exposed to and trained to think critically about the conditions and demands of global societies. Students may choose to enrich their education by studying for a summer, a quarter, or a year in Africa, or by studying for a quarter in the Caribbean. Majors and Minors are also encouraged to take advantage of relevant internship opportunities.

The Program

The purpose of this program is to give students a sense of the individual characteristics and common concerns of Black communities in Africa, the United States, and the wider Diaspora. The African American emphasis includes courses on history, culture, and the impact of developments in politics and the economy on the social organization of Black people in the United States. The African Diaspora emphasis enables students to study the way Black communities outside Africa and the United States have dealt with questions of race and ethnicity. It also considers how they have defined their identity in the political arena by using religion, theater and dance, literature, and film. The African emphasis allows students to focus on Africa's recent history, social issues, and contemporary culture.

Career Alternatives

Students majoring in African American & African Studies gain knowledge and strong critical thinking and analytical skills, problem-solving skills, and communication skills, all suited for advanced studies in all areas, including but not limited to the social sciences, law, education, business, medicine, and professional schools. Graduates in the major have pursued careers in all areas including education, the private and public sectors, the non-profit sector, international development agencies and human service. The interdisciplinary nature of African American & African Studies is excellent preparation for professions in community organizations such as the Urban League, NAACP, and the Office of Economic Opportunity.

Major Advisor

Katherine Ampaw-Matthei M.Ed; kampaw@ucdavis.edu
African American & African Studies Staff

American History & Institutions

This University requirement can be satisfied by completion of AAS 010, AAS 100; listed in University Requirements.

The major requirements below are in addition to meeting University Degree Requirements & College Degree Requirements; unless otherwise noted. The minimum number of units required for the African American & African Studies Bachelor of Arts is 64.

Note: Although a course may be listed more than once, such a course may satisfy only one requirement.

Related Upper Division Courses

The following courses are offered by faculty members in other disciplines and focus on African American studies, African diaspora studies, or African studies: