African American Studies
For over 30 years, the major in African American Studies has provided focus on the experience of African Americans and their connections to the African Diaspora in the Caribbean and Latin America. Coursework addresses such topics as cultural practices, with reference to literature, history, and film, as well as inequality as it relates to issues of nationality, race, class, and gender. The major provides students with a solid theoretical and research basis to pursue either graduate professional study or employment in business or industry, and can often be completed with a second liberal arts major such as English, history, communication, psychology, or sociology.
Points of Pride
- The African American Studies and Research Center sponsors students to attend the annual National Council for Black Studies Conference. Majors and minors are encouraged to submit abstracts to the conference to be considered for one of several student panels. The conference is an excellent opportunity for discussion of the latest topics in the field and a great networking opportunity for students. A recent Purdue student attendee noted, "The issues discussed at this conference were very informative. It reinforced some of the topics I learned in class and introduced some interesting new topics for me."
- The African American Studies and Research Program at Purdue is dedicated to engaging the African Diaspora on a global scale. Within the past five years, we have offered study abroad opportunities to Martinique, Cuba, and Brazil.
- The African American Studies and Research Center sponsors a variety of annual programs that include: Talkin' & Testifyin' Works-in-Progress Series, Women Writers Series Co-Sponsored by Purdue University Libraries, Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture Series, Black History Month Keynote Lecture, Malcolm X Commemorative Lecture, Symposium on African American Culture & Philosophy, W.E.B. DeBois Lecture Series, Conversations on the Diaspora, Harriet A. Jacobs Lecture Series in the Humanities and the Arts, Ethics, Justice & Culture Forums, African/African-American Film Series. The African American Studies and Research Center also offers an annual Symposium on African American Culture and Philosophy.
Careers
- Graduate study
- Professional school
- Business and management positions
- Government Positions
- Attorney
- Teacher/Professor