African American Studies

The Princeton University African American Studies program offers an intellectually vibrant and interdisciplinary exploration of the history, culture, and social experiences of African Americans and the broader African diaspora. Established to foster a comprehensive understanding of issues related to race, ethnicity, and social justice, the program integrates perspectives from history, literature, politics, art, and sociology, providing students with a broad and nuanced view of African American life and contributions. Through rigorous coursework, faculty-led research, and community engagement, students examine the historical roots of racial inequalities, the cultural expressions that have shaped identity and resistance, and contemporary challenges faced by African American communities. The program encourages critical thinking and analytical skills, empowering students to become informed citizens and leaders committed to social equity. Courses cover a wide array of topics including the Civil Rights Movement, African American literature and music, racial politics, and the impact of globalization on African American communities. Students have opportunities to participate in seminars, internships, and research projects that deepen their understanding and foster active participation in social change. The program also emphasizes the importance of intersectionality, exploring how race intersects with gender, class, and nationality to influence individual and collective experiences. Dedicated faculty members bring a wealth of expertise from various disciplines, guiding students through lectures, discussions, and independent study. Graduates of the African American Studies program are prepared for careers in academia, public policy, education, community activism, journalism, and beyond, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on race and justice in America and the world. As part of Princeton’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, the program seeks to promote scholarly excellence, cultural understanding, and social responsibility, making it an essential component of the university’s broader educational mission.

• Collaborative Learning Exchange: Creative Explorations of JusticeAACL
• Introduction to the Study of African American Cultural PracticesGRE and AACL
• The Fire This Time: Reading James BaldwinAACL
• Sisters' Voices: African Women WritersGRE
• Seeing to Remember: Representing Slavery Across the Black AtlanticGRE and AACL
• African American Literature: Harlem Renaissance to the PresentAACL
• African American History to 1863AACL
• Topics in African American Religion: Black Religion and the Harlem RenaissanceAACL
• Policing Racial Order: The History of U.S. Police Power From Slave Patrols to DronesRPP
• Public Policy in the American Racial StateRPP
• Topics in African American Literature: Fictions of Black Urban LifeAACL
• Intersectional Activisms and Movements for Social JusticeRPP
• Intersectional Activisms and Movements For Social JusticeRPP
• Publishing Articles in Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies500-Level
• Publishing Articles in Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies500-Level
• Race and the American Musical from Minstrelsy to HamiltonAACL
• Art and the British Empire500-Level
• Citizenships Ancient and ModernGRE and AACL
• Crafting Freedom: Women and Liberation in the Americas (1960s to the present)GRE and AACL
• American Dance Experience & Africanist PracticesGRE and AACL
• Introduction to Hip-Hop DanceAACL
• Special Topics in Urban Dance: Improvisational Approaches to Hip-Hop PracticesAACL
• Race, Drugs, and Drug Policy in AmericaRPP
• History of African American Political ThoughtRPP
• American PentecostalismGRE and AACL
• The American Jeremiad and Social Criticism in the United StatesAACL
• Topics in the Politics of Writing and Difference: Literature and Slavery in the Iberian AtlanticRPP and GRE
• Race and Public Policy

• The Common Application or the Universal College Application
• Princeton Supplement
• Transcript
• School Report
• Guidance Counselor Letter
• Two (2) Teacher Recommendations
• SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing
• Two (2) SAT Subject Tests (recommended, but not required)
• TOEFL, IELTS Academic or PTE Academic (nonnative speakers of English without 3 years of high school in English)

There is no specific information available regarding the financing studies for the African American Studies program at Princeton University. Usually, Princeton offers a range of financial aid options for undergraduate students, including need-based aid that covers tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. The university is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students through grants and scholarships that do not require repayment. For graduate students or special study programs, financial support may include fellowships, assistantships, or departmental funding, depending on the department and the specific program requirements. Applicants are encouraged to consult the Princeton University Office of Financial Aid and the African American Studies department for detailed information about available funding opportunities, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines. Additionally, Princeton's financial aid policies promote inclusivity and affordability to ensure that students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can pursue their studies without undue financial hardship. Since specific financial study options for the African American Studies program are not publicly detailed, prospective students should directly contact the university’s financial aid office for personalized guidance. Overall, Princeton University strives to provide comprehensive financial support aligned with its mission to foster educational access and equity.

The Program in African American Studies at Princeton University offers an interdisciplinary curriculum dedicated to exploring the history, culture, politics, and experiences of people of African descent in the United States and around the world. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the social forces that have shaped African American communities, as well as the contributions of African Americans to American society and global history. Students enrolled in the program have the opportunity to engage with courses spanning various disciplines, including history, literature, political science, sociology, and anthropology, fostering a multidisciplinary perspective on the subject. The curriculum includes foundational courses that examine the history of slavery, emancipation, civil rights, and contemporary issues such as racial justice and inequality. In addition, students can pursue more specialized topics such as Afro-diasporic cultures, African American literature, music, and visual arts, as well as the political movements that have advanced civil rights. The program emphasizes research and critical analysis, encouraging students to participate in seminars, projects, and community engagement activities. Faculty members associated with the program are leading scholars in the field, offering mentorship and fostering an academic environment conducive to advanced inquiry. Students interested in the program can also take advantage of related resources such as the Princeton University library collections, which include extensive archival materials and publications focused on African American history and culture. Graduates of the program often pursue careers in academia, public policy, education, journalism, community activism, and the arts, contributing to ongoing dialogues about race, identity, and social justice. The program aims to produce well-informed, culturally competent graduates who are committed to understanding and addressing racial disparities and promoting equity. The university also offers various events, guest lectures, and conferences that enrich the learning experience, connecting students with leaders and experts in the field of African American Studies. Overall, Princeton's African American Studies program combines rigorous academic coursework, research opportunities, and community engagement to prepare students for meaningful careers and informed citizenship rooted in a deep understanding of African American history and culture.