Faculty
Professors
Allen Ballard, Ph.D. (Collins Fellow)
Harvard University
Iris Berger, Ph.D.
University of Wisconsin
Leonard A. Slade, Jr., Ph.D., L.H.D.
University of Illinois
Jogindar S. Uppal, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Associate Professors
Helen R. Desfosses, Ph.D. (Collins Fellow)
Boston University
George A. Levesque, Ph.D.
State University of New York at Binghamton
Kwadwo A. Sarfoh, Ph.D.
University of Cincinnati
Marcia E. Sutherland, Ph.D.
Howard University
Adjunct Associate Professor
Kirk Smith, Ph.D.
Shenandoah University
Assistant Professors
Sharon Parkinson, Ph.D.
Purdue University
Oscar Williams, Ph.D.
The Ohio State University
Adjuncts (estimated): 6
Graduate Assistants
(estimated): 10
The objective of the department is to provide a multi- and interdisciplinary education in African/African-American studies and related fields. Students are expected to possess the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the social, political, economic, psychological, and historical consequences of institutional arrangements as they affect the life experiences of African/African-American people.
The department offers full programs leading to the B.A. and M.A. degrees. Students may specialize in African studies and African-American studies. Sub-areas in African studies are the history, economics, politics, and culture of the following regions: Eastern Africa, Central Africa, West Africa, and Southern Africa. Sub-areas in African-American studies include: African-American history and culture, urban economic development, central city politics and institutions, African-American literature and criticism, and urban planning. Though the major concentrations are Africa and the United States, students may design programs that will enhance their knowledge of other Black cultures; e.g., the Caribbean and Haitian.
Students are prepared for careers in teaching, counseling, state and local social welfare programs, urban planning, administrative program direction, and international relations.
Special Programs and Opportunities
Undergraduate students in the department are provided an opportunity to apply theory through community projects, both within formal courses and other such special programs that may be designed by the department. Students participating in the latter may work directly with New York legislators or legislative committees. For further information contact the Department. Students are also provided an ongoing colloquium series featuring locally and nationally known African and African-American scholars. The senior seminar enables students and faculty to explore common research interests.
Degree Requirements for the Major in African/Afro-American Studies
General Program B.A: A minimum of 36 credits (at least 12 credits of which must be at the 300 level or above) including A Aas 142, 219 or 219Z, 286 or 287, and 490. The additional department courses, as advised, must include 6 credits at the 200 level and 6 credits at the 300 level or above.
