Requirements
Africana Studies Major
The major in Africana studies consists of nine courses. There are two tracks or concentrations:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| AFRS 1101 | Introduction to Africana Studies | 1 |
| Select one 2000-level Africana studies intermediate seminar. | 1 | |
| Select one 3000-level Africana studies senior seminar. | 1 | |
| Select six additional Africana studies electives. a,b,c | 6 | |
| a | At least five courses at the intermediate or advanced level (2000 or higher) |
| b | Students in the African American concentration must take a least one course from the African and African Diaspora track. |
| c | Students in the African and African Diaspora concentration must take at least one course from the African American track. |
For both concentrations:
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A maximum of two courses, either as an intermediate or advanced level independent study course or a course taken at another college or university, can count toward the major.
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An approved honors project fulfills the senior seminar requirement. A complete honors project comprises two semesters of work.
Africana Studies Minor
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses | ||
| AFRS 1101 | Introduction to Africana Studies | 1 |
| Select four Africana studies elective courses from either of the two Africana studies tracks. d,e | 4 | |
| d | Three of these courses must be at the 2000 and 3000 levels. |
| e | Only one of these four electives can be an intermediate or advanced level independent study course or a course taken at another college or university. |
Additional Information and Program Policies
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A first-year writing seminar in Africana studies counts toward the major or minor in Africana studies.
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Courses that count toward the major or minor must be taken for regular letter grades, and students must earn grades of C- or better.
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The chair of Africana studies will work with students to discuss double-counting cross-listed courses with other departments or programs.
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Since the AP African American Studies course is new, the AFRS department is reviewing the exam and AP course design recommendations to determine if or how to grant credit. The department will make its decision on this issue by 2026. See the Chair if you have questions.
Information for Incoming Students
This fall, we will be offering one section of AFRS 1101 Introduction to Africana Studies; it is capped at 48 students and often fills. This class will likely also be offered in the spring, depending on student demand. All Africana studies classes are open to first-year students, with the exception of those taught at the 3000-level. Most of our courses attract students from all class years and academic interests, allowing first-years to get to know their fellow students in different years and with different levels of academic experience. There are many courses appropriate for first-year students that are cross-listed in other departments such as history, English, Francophone studies, anthropology and sociology. If you have questions about any of these courses, contact the department chair: Professor Brian Purnell.
This is an excerpt from the official Bowdoin College Catalogue and Academic Handbook. View the Catalogue