Africana studies

The influence of Africa on world history runs deep and wide, and right up to the present moment. Your fascination with Africana studies will find many outlets and opportunities at Augustana, which offers both a major and minor in Africana studies.

In the major, choose an emphasis on Africa or the African diaspora, which focuses on the movement of African people and cultures from the continent into other parts of the world. In either track, you’ll explore through courses taught by professors in diverse fields, from art and music, to history and political science, to religion and literature.

In fact, Africana studies has connections to every field of study and makes an excellent choice for a second major. Experience and understanding of humanity’s birthplace can give you an edge for any advanced degree or professional goal.

Distinctions

• You may use your Augie Choice $2,000 for expenses related to an internship, research or study abroad. Augustana study-abroad programs include options ranging from a full semester in Ghana or South Africa to a 3-week J-term on music and education service learning in Jamaica.

• Augustana has a busy, welcoming and increasingly diverse campus community. The 150+ student groups include the African Student Association, Black Student Union, the Multicultural Programming Board, Ladies of Vital Essence, The Order of the Phoenix, and others that may be of special interest to students of Africana studies.

• With a diverse population of about 450,000, the Quad Cities provides access to learning experiences and multicultural events throughout the year.

• The Black Culture House, an on-campus center, offers space for group meetings, studying and tutoring, an African-American history library, displays of African artifacts and paintings by African-American artists.

Recent graduates

Lauren Kaboggoza ‘18 is a member care coordinator with Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Nicolette Hampton  ’18 is the diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator at Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago.

Avery Pearl  '18 is assistant director at The Lincoln Center in Davenport, Iowa.

Mae Ruzek  ’16 McCarty is a regional supervisor for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Katie Chojnacki  ’14 Johnson is the manager – health and safety at U.S. Compliance Corporation (EHS Consulting Services) in Wheaton, Ill.