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African and African American Studies

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Interdepartmental Undergraduate Program

African and African American Studies, a cross-disciplinary program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, offers students the opportunity to explore the experiences of African Americans and African American contributions to American culture. Students in the program analyze and learn about African and African American experiences through the study of history, literature, art, religion, and society. They gain knowledge and develop skills and sensitivities to help them function effectively in today’s diverse society.

African and African American Studies at Iowa State University is an expanding program. Many of the courses in the program satisfy general education requirements in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the human relations requirement for teachers, and the university’s U.S. Cultures and Communities or International Perspectives requirements; please consult official lists. Students can minor or even design their own Interdisciplinary Studies major with an emphasis in African and African American Studies. Relevant courses are offered through various departments.

Undergraduate Minor

African and African American Studies is offered as an undergraduate minor. 

A minor in African and African American Studies requires 15 credits.
AFAM 2010Introduction to African American Studies3
Plus 12 additional credits in AFAM from the following:12
Africa to 1880
Colonialism and Independence in Africa
Strategies of Resistance: From Slavery to Hip-Hop & Black Lives Matter
Ethnic and Race Relations
Africana Religions
Race, Ethnicity, and the US Criminal Justice System
African American Literature
Women of Color in the U.S
History of African Americans I
History of African Americans II
Understanding Sub-Saharan Africa
Seminar in African American Culture
Civil Rights and Ethnic Power
Independent Study
Total Credits15

African and African American Studies is an LAS minor. In addition to University policies governing minors, LAS minors require at least 6 credits in courses numbered 3000 and above, with a grade of C or higher.