Program Overview
The Africana Women's Studies Program, founded in 1982, is the only degree-granting women's studies program located in a historically Black college in the United States, the only women's studies program in the United States which offers the doctoral degree concentration in Africana Women's Studies and one of only two Africana Women's Studies program in the world. This program focuses mainly on the comparative examination of the contributions, problems, strategies and concerns of Africana women. Analytical approaches that rigorously compare and contrast the lives of all women by class, age, and color without regard to their geographic location are strongly encouraged.
Program Objectives
- To provide a comprehensive knowledge of concepts and theories related to gender, class and racial bias of Africana women.
- Prepare graduates for diverse professions in education, research, government and civic services that require an understanding of the role of Africana women.
- Equip educators with knowledge and sensitivity to the teachings and contributions of Africana women.
- Prepare students for opportunities in continuing or advanced studies.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students pursuing the Master of Arts Degrees in Africana Women’s Studies will:
- Define and discuss the role of women and identify issues specific to African Diaspora cultures.
- Apply theoretical knowledge of Afrocentricity, Afrocentric historiography, and the history of African people with emphasis on women nationally and globally to construct a research-based thesis or nonthesis project.
- Identify and communicate effectively in written and oral formats concerns related to the problems, strategies and contributions of Africana women.
- Conduct systematic comparison of the lives of all women by class, age, color, and geographic location.
