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African and African American Studies
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This interdisciplinary major is designed to give students an integrated and critical understanding of the experiences and contributions of peoples of African descent. Students are encouraged to research and evaluate the relationship between the political, social, and economic developments in Africa and the African Diaspora. There are two options available to students enrolled in the major: African American Studies and African Studies.
The African American studies option provides students the opportunity to explore the experiences of African Americans using theories and methods originating in the field, along with those from various disciplines. Students apply these theories and methods to better understand the social, political, and economic problems facing African American communities. The curriculum also promotes greater understanding of the relationship between African Americans and other ethnic groups.
Students who choose the African Studies option examine the geographical, cultural, historical, political, and economic aspects of Africa. This option allows students to focus on political and economic developments in various countries and regions of Africa.
Related Experiences
African and African American Studies co-sponsors activities with the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, which disseminates information about the Black experience to the community at large, primarily through programs with a cultural and educational emphasis. The program also maintains its social and academic responsibility to the African and African American student associations and groups at Penn State.
Three minors are also available in African Studies, Afro-American Studies, and Black Diaspora Studies.
Career Directions
Students who receive a bachelor of arts degree in African and African American Studies are able to obtain employment in a wide range of areas. Many AAAS department graduates find positions in such wide-ranging fields as international business and finance, journalism, archaeology, international relations and diplomacy, community development, communications, comparative and international education, business administration, public administration, teaching, agricultural extension, distance education, adult education, health, architecture, counseling, and computer-based teaching and learning.