Africana Studies at W&M
Students who specialize in Africana Studies develop a way of thinking that is interdisciplinary and analytical along with a habit of heart that is cross-culturally empathetic. Explore the history, cultural traditions, politics and economics of the many countries that make up the African continent and countries across the African diaspora. W&M faculty are well trained in intersecting social categories such as race, gender, class and sexuality. You will learn about the diversity of experiences of African people as they have adapted to new lives across the globe.
Paths of Study
Applied Learning
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Courses
Study a variety of courses that fit your interests from Caribbean Languages and Identities (AFST 251) to the History of Jazz (AFST 332).*
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Research
Explore research tools in Research Methods in Africana Studies (AFST 299), then use those tools to complete a capstone or senior project.
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Africana House
Join this living-learning community to broaden your learning experience through activities and a final group project you'll share with the W&M community.
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Study Abroad in Cape Town
Learn about South Africa through locally taught classes and service-learning opportunities and explore the area in this summer program.
Upcoming Events
Student Resources
Access information about research, degree planning, honors projects, Africana House, and Study Abroad opportunities.
Outcomes
Africana Studies alumni have attended graduate programs in various disciplines and professions. The analytical skills, broad perspectives, leadership experience and creative critical-thinking acquired in this program enable graduates to engage in lifelong learning or to prepare for a myriad of occupational opportunities. Some join the public sector, while others work for a variety of private employers. Many serve as Peace Corps volunteers or join a variety of nonprofit organizations in the United States.
Hear from a Student
"It is an interesting way to take sociology, history, and linguistics classes without having to be a sociologist, historian, or linguist. Africana Studies offers classes that are cross-listed in those disciplines where your focus is not really the discipline; it's Black people. Africana Studies is my way of incorporating what is most important into my degree, what I think I should be learning from my college experience." — Shawna Alston '25, English and Africana Studies double major from Norfolk, VA.
Alumni & Friends
Are you an Africana Studies alum with news to share? Please send us your news so we can share your accomplishments.
Support Africana Studies
You can support the Africana Studies program by giving to the Africana Studies Program fund to support activities throughout the program, or to the Jacquelyn Y. McLendon Prize in Africana Studies, which supports students of Africana Studies.
Contact Africana Studies
Africana Studies
Social Media
Mailing Address
Africana Studies Program William & Mary P.O. Box 8795 Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Contact Us
- Phone: 757-221-2457
Courses Disclaimer
*Courses listed are examples. Course availability changes each semester.
