Minor in Africana Studies

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About

The Africana Studies Minor teaches you to become an independent researcher and collaborative problem-solver with a focus on analyzing and interpreting the experience of African Americans. Our program appeals to students considering admission to graduate or professional schools and careers in education, business, law, politics, the media and publishing, international relations, arts and performance, development or humanitarian aid and global health as well as social work.

The Africana Studies Minor consists of four courses: two core courses and two electives (20 credits).

This minor can be completed entirely online, entirely in-person, or a mixture of the two.

If you’re considering this minor, please contact the director of Africana Studies.

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Africana Studies Minor

Note: 

  • AAST 214, 215 and 220 each fulfill the undergraduate diversity requirement.
  • AAST 315 fulfills the global studies requirement.
Required Courses
AAST/HUMN 214AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE AND EXPRESSIONS5
AAST/HIST 215EARLY AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY: ANCIENT AFRICA TO THE END OF THE RECONSTRUCTION 18775
or AAST 220 AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY: POST CIVIL WAR TO PRESENT
Required Electives–choose upper-division courses in consultation with the AAST program director.10
Total Credits20

Sample Courses

AAST 215. EARLY AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY: ANCIENT AFRICA TO THE END OF THE RECONSTRUCTION 1877. 5 Credits.

Cross-listed: HIST 215.
Satisfies: a university graduation requirement–diversity.
An examination of the history of African Americans from African civilizations in the 10th century A.D. through American slavery to the end of the Reconstruction era in the U.S. Major attention will be given to the social, political, and economic evolution of African Americans as a whole as well as the individual lives and work of famous black leaders.

Catalog Listing

AAST 321. AFRICAN AMERICAN POLITICAL AWARENESS. 5 Credits.

Pre-requisites: ENGL 201.
Issues of African American political power and awareness as they relate to several studies of macro and micro institutional racism with alternatives for racial change.

Catalog Listing

AAST 391. THE 1000 MILE DEEP SOUTH CIVIL RIGHTS TOUR. 5 Credits.

Notes: final week of course culminates with a seven day field trip of experiential learning to the deep South for visitation to 22 civil rights locations/landmarks within five states.
Pre-requisites: ENGL 101 or equivalent.
Provides an exploration into the 1950s and 1960s civil rights movement in relation to its ideology, leadership, political and social impact, legislative victories and psychological dimensions of impact upon both Americans & African Americans. Critical Race Theory and Jim Crow are central themes reviewed and developed.

Catalog Listing

AAST 430. AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN'S HISTORY. 5 Credits.

Cross-listed: GWSS 430.
Pre-requisites: ENGL 201.
Examines historical writings by and about Black women, discussing slavery, lynching, combating prejudices, and encouraging racial pride to provide a framework that will deepen understanding of the topic.

Catalog Listing

Africana Studies Electives

For a full list of the Africana Studies elective courses offered, head over to the catalog.

Africana Studies Course Catalog

Africana Studies Program
204 Monroe Hall
Cheney, WA 99004
P: 509.359.2205
E: africanastudies@ewu.edu

The Africana Studies Program at EWU is dedicated to your success. With an Africana Studies major or minor, you’ll sharpen your critical thinking, strengthen your communication skills, and graduate ready to lead, advocate, and thrive in a culturally diverse world.