African and African American Studies

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 African Americans’ experience and African American contributions to American culture. Students in the program analyze and learn about 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 diversity requirement; please consult official lists. Students can minor or even design their own Interdisciplinary Studies major with an emphasis in African American Studies. Relevant courses are offered through other departments.

Undergraduate Minor

A minor in African and African American Studies requires six courses in the program with a minimum of 18 credits, including AFAM 2010 Introduction to African American Studies and AFAM 4600 Seminar in African American Culture . The remaining credits must come from at least two departments, with at least two courses taken at the junior level or above. The minor must include at least 9 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement. Independent study and internship opportunities are available for credit, but do not count in the minimum requirements for the minor.