Africana Studies at LutherAfricana studies is an academic study of the histories, cultures, religions, and literatures of African peoples worldwide. In Africana studies, we explore the experience of Africans and people of African descent within both national and international contexts. Africana studies is multidisciplinary, with courses in the social sciences (history and anthropology), the humanities (literature and religion), and the arts (music). Our goals in Africana studies are the same as the liberal arts goals of Luther College: breadth and depth of knowledge, critical thinking and inquiry, and effective writing. But we also emphasize expanding students' knowledge of Africans and of Africans in the African diaspora—those peoples who have historically been excluded from the curriculum. The Africana Studies Major and MinorWe offer a major and a minor in Africana studies. We also encourage students to combine their work in Africana studies with another major or minor in one of Luther's many academic disciplines. A student interested in legal work or international relations might choose, for instance, to double major in Africana studies and history. Another student interested in a career in community service may choose to major in social work and minor in Africana studies. Africana studies graduates enter the work force or graduate school with a global perspective, an appreciation of diversity, and strong skills in critical thinking and effective writing. Africana Studies CourseworkAs in all departments, Africana studies courses are open to all Luther students. Majors in Africana studies are required to take courses in African history, African-American history, and literature of the African diaspora. Students may then choose a variety of offerings, including such courses as Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, Pan-Africanism, and South African Literature. Courses in Africana Studies
Off-Campus Study OpportunitiesThe department strongly encourages students to take off-campus courses. During Luther's January Term, the Africana Studies department offers study abroad courses in Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa. These courses provide students with the rich experience of learning about peoples and their cultures through visits to important historical sites; conversations with national and community leaders, scholars, and artists; and home-stays with local families. Students may also study and live in Tanzania for a semester. Cultural ActivitiesOn campus, the college sponsors African and African-American guest lecturers, art displays, and performances by gospel choirs and other musical and theatrical groups. The Africana studies department, in partnership with the Diversity Center, sponsors the annual Black History Month conference every February. This conference brings together Africana studies scholars and students from throughout the Midwest. These events are all part of Luther's efforts to extend the view of the campus outward, encouraging students to be active participants in a global community. FacultyJuan-Tony Guzmán, Ph.D. Martin Klammer, Ph.D., Department head Richard Mtisi Novian Whitsitt, Ph.D. Lawrence Williams, Ph.D. [History Major/Minor]
[Museum Studies]
[Faculty] [Phi Alpha Theta] |