Requirements
Africana Studies Major
The major in Africana studies consists of nine courses. There are two tracks or concentrations:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| AFRS 1101 | Introduction to Africana Studies | 1 |
| Select one 2000-level Africana studies intermediate seminar. | 1 | |
| Select one 3000-level Africana studies senior seminar. | 1 | |
| Select six additional Africana studies electives. a,b,c | 6 | |
| a | At least five courses at the intermediate or advanced level (2000 or higher) |
| b | Students in the African American concentration must take a least one course from the African and African Diaspora track. |
| c | Students in the African and African Diaspora concentration must take at least one course from the African American track. |
For both concentrations:
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A maximum of two courses, either as an intermediate or advanced level independent study course or a course taken at another college or university, can count toward the major.
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An approved honors project fulfills the senior seminar requirement. A complete honors project comprises two semesters of work.
Africana Studies Minor
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses | ||
| AFRS 1101 | Introduction to Africana Studies | 1 |
| Select four Africana studies elective courses from either of the two Africana studies tracks. d,e | 4 | |
| d | Three of these courses must be at the 2000 and 3000 levels. |
| e | Only one of these four electives can be an intermediate or advanced level independent study course or a course taken at another college or university. |
Additional Information and Program Policies
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A first-year writing seminar in Africana studies counts toward the major or minor in Africana studies.
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Courses that count toward the major or minor must be taken for regular letter grades, and students must earn grades of C- or better.
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The chair of Africana studies will work with students to discuss double-counting cross-listed courses with other departments or programs.
Information for Incoming Students
This fall, we will be offering one section of AFRS 1101 Introduction to Africana Studies; it is capped at 50 students and often fills. This class will likely also be offered in the spring, depending on student demand. All Africana studies classes are open to first-year students, with the exception of those taught at the 3000-level. Most of our courses attract students from all class years and academic interests, allowing first-years to get to know their fellow students in different years and with different levels of academic experience. There are many courses appropriate for first-year students that are cross-listed in other departments such as history, English, Francophone studies, anthropology and sociology. If you have questions about any of these courses, contact the department chair: Professor Brian Purnell.
This is an excerpt from the official Bowdoin College Catalogue and Academic Handbook. View the Catalogue