The Africana Studies Program at Lafayette College is dedicated to providing students and the broader Lafayette community with an enriching academic experience by offering courses, symposia, lectures and other program events. Through diverse Lafayette faculty we focus on exploring the rich histories and cultures of the African continent and African diaspora communities throughout the world.

Our interdisciplinary approach engages with both recent scholarship and foundational benchmark works. Students have the opportunity to interact with original nineteenth-century archival documents while exploring multimedia formats alongside of traditional methods.

Our transnational and interdisciplinary approach is designed to foster a deeper understanding across different communities and motive students to become dynamic leaders who are committed to furthering the cause of public engagement.

Through ongoing engagement with the most recent scholarship on Africa and the African Diaspora, as well as with traditional benchmark works that are foundational to the field, the program strives to inform and stimulate students on the subject of the role of Africa in the formation of the modern world and its ongoing impact and participation in globalization processes.

Our approach is transnational and interdisciplinary, and we seek to further understanding between and across communities as well as to motivate students to see themselves as vibrant and dynamic civic leaders who further the cause of public engagement in fighting for social justice.

The Africana Studies program facilitates study abroad experiences that enhance student understanding of Africa and its diaspora communities. We also aim to help students engage in the local and to develop a firm understanding of social, environmental and economic development issues as they impact African Americans.

In this interdisciplinary major, students combine approaches of the traditional disciplines (history, literature and languagesanthropology and sociology, religion, economics, etc) in analyzing the experiences, problems, and questions at the center of the social, cultural, and political thought and actions of peoples of African heritage.

Many students have double majors. Look under Courses for descriptions.

A major in Africana Studies prepares students for further study in African Studies, Africana Studies, and African American Studies graduate programs. Students are also well prepared for careers in teaching and education, business, international development, and marketing. Students who have a double major in Economics or International Affairs often pursue careers in diplomatic service  or corporate management, which require expertise in working in culturally diverse environments.

Honors: Students who meet College and major requirements may submit a written proposal for approval during their junior year for an honors thesis. Students pursuing honors will be allowed to substitute first-semester AFS 495 for AFS 400.