What Is African American Studies Major?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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An African American studies major — also called an Africana studies or Black studies major — provides students with a nuanced understanding of African Americans' historical, political, and cultural impact , in addition to the unique challenges they continue to face today.

What is African American studies in college?

African American studies (alternately named Afroamerican studies, or in US education, black studies) is an interdisciplinary academic field that is primarily devoted to the of the history, culture, and politics of black people from the United States .

What can you do with a degree in African American studies?

  • Business Manager.
  • Community Developer.
  • Foreign Service Specialist.
  • Historian.
  • Journalist/Writer.
  • Media Relations Consultant.
  • Multicultural Consultant.
  • Museum Curator/Director.

What is the difference between African American Studies and black studies?

Black studies and Africana studies differ primarily in that Africana studies focuses on Africanity and the historical and cultural issues of Africa and its descendants while Black studies was designed to deal with the uplift and development of the black (African-American) community in relationship to education and its ...

What can you do with a major in American studies?

  • Teaching and education-related fields (including library, educational administration, etc.)
  • Business (administrative, managerial)
  • Social services (including social work and religious professionals)
  • Communications, public relations, journalism.
  • Public service.

What good is a degree in African American Studies?

An African American studies major offers students a plethora of transferable skills . Critical Thinking Skills: Ability to think independently, read critically, and write analytically. Research Skills: How to apply theoretical approaches to research questions, locate and interpret data, and define problems.

How much does African American Studies pay?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $221,000 and as low as $17,500, the majority of African American Studies salaries currently range between $41,500 (25th percentile) to $92,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $196,500 annually across the United States.

Can I minor in African American studies?

An African-American Studies minor complements any Bachelor's degree , not just those geared to working with the African-American community. ... This minor teaches students critical thinking skills and an interdisciplinary methodology that serve as assets to any career.

Why is it important to study African American health?

The African American Health Engagement Study (AAHES) highlights the importance of trust in health care providers to drive health seeking behaviors , and the need for more diversity in the physician workforce.

Why is African Studies Important?

Studying African history and current events gives us a deeper understanding of world history and even modern American history. ... African Studies are important to students who want to understand their neighbors — and themselves . You become a better-informed global citizen when you study Africa.

What are the seven core fields of African American studies?

This course is designed to engage students in the study of the seven core areas of Black studies: Black History, Black Sociology, Black Religion, Black Economics, Black Politics, Black Psychology, and the humanities (Black Literature, Art and Music).

Where did black studies come from?

The first black-studies department was started at San Francisco State College in 1968 . There, according to the common account, a rowdy and violent group of black students staged a protracted strike demanding a black-studies program.

What were the early objectives of Black Studies?

What were the basic objectives of Black studies? Teach black experience with special attention to history and culture ; develop a body of knowledge and use it in interest of black people; Create individuals who are dedicated to community service; Bring community to the campus and community.

Why should I study American Studies?

American Studies graduates are especially valued because of their excellent communication skills and ability to think intelligently , critically and laterally as they draw on a wide range of disciplinary perspectives and skills to analyse and interpret the American experience.

What exactly does American Studies do?

American Studies is an interdisciplinary field that studies American culture and the identities that this culture creates- from examining systems of oppression, hierarchies and social labels to critiquing how we think of places, media and music.

Can I teach with an American Studies degree?

Graduates find jobs in a variety of sectors including banking or accountancy, the media, advertising, marketing, political administration and law. Popular career choices for American Studies graduates include teaching, journalism, publishing, law, broadcasting and librarianship .

Carlos Perez
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Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.