Africana Studies

Programme Description for Africana Studies at Hampshire College

The Africana Studies programme at Hampshire College offers students an in-depth exploration of the histories, cultures, political struggles, and social dynamics of the African continent and the African diaspora globally. Rooted in interdisciplinary inquiry, the programme encourages critical thinking and sophisticated analysis of issues related to race, ethnicity, migration, identity, and social justice. Students engage with a diverse array of disciplines including history, anthropology, literature, political science, and art to develop a comprehensive understanding of the African and Africana experience across different contexts and time periods. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, community engagement, and research methods that empower students to critically examine systemic inequalities and contribute to social change. Through coursework, seminars, fieldwork, and collaborative projects, students are encouraged to explore topics such as colonialism and decolonization, Black thought and activism, diasporic identities, language, and cultural expression. The programme also provides opportunities for study abroad, internships, and partnerships with community organizations to enhance real-world understanding and impact. Graduates of the Africana Studies programme are equipped with a nuanced perspective on global issues affecting African-descended peoples and are prepared for careers in education, public policy, social work, journalism, international development, and beyond. With a focus on fostering critical consciousness and social responsibility, the programme at Hampshire College aims to cultivate informed global citizens dedicated to justice, equity, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.

• What is Africa to Me
• 20th Century Dance History: American Protest Traditions
• African American Women in Defense of Themselves: Organizing Against Sexual Violence in African American History
• Antebellum Social Movements
• Art/Artifact: African Art and Material Culture
• Controversies in U.S. Economic and Social History
• Dancing Motown
• Interpreting the Movement: Civil Rights and Black Power Movements of Twentieth Century
• Jazz Modernism
• Life and Imagination of W.E.B. Du Bois
• McKay, Robeson, and Assata: Radical Ruptures
• 'People Without History: Historical Archaeologies of Atlantic Africa and the African Disapora
• Organizing in the Whirlwind: African American Social Movements in the Twentieth Century
• Reading, Writing, and Citizenship: African American Educational Campaigns
• The Great Depression and the Great Recession: The History of Working Class Struggle in America
• Warfare in the American Homeland
• Writing the Civil War
• Black Feminism: Theory/Praxis (MHC)
• Intro to African-American Studies (MHC)
• African Diaspora Arts (UMass)
• History of Black Women in America (SC)
• Intro to African-American Music (SC)
• Intro to Black Culture (SC)
• Race and Radicalism (AC)
• Studies in African-American Literature (AC) 

Requirements

• Common Application
• An academic paper in English
• Supplemental essay responses
• Current transcripts
• School report, including guidance counselor recommendation
• At least one letter of recommendation from a teacher
• Certification of Finances form
• TOEFL or IELTS score (Minimum TOEFL score of 91 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. Predicted grades for IB English A1 or A2, or for A-level English, will also be considered.
• Additional letters of recommendation, up to three

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• MacArthur Foundation Grant Making Programs
• American Association of University Women
• Fulbright International Scholarship Program for non-US students

Africana Studies at Hampshire College offers an interdisciplinary and student-centered approach to understanding the histories, cultures, politics, and social issues of people of African descent across the globe. The program encourages students to actively engage with a wide range of disciplines, including history, anthropology, literature, political science, and cultural studies, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the African Diaspora. Many courses within the program explore themes such as resistance and resilience, identity and representation, social justice, and economic development, providing students with a critical perspective on contemporary issues facing African and African-descended populations worldwide.

Hampshire College emphasizes flexible curriculum design, allowing students to tailor their academic trajectories according to their interests and career goals. The Africana Studies program incorporates experiential learning, community engagement, and research projects, fostering a hands-on understanding of the material. The college’s unique emphasis on collaborative learning and independent inquiry supports students in developing critical thinking, research skills, and a nuanced perspective on complex social dynamics.

Faculty members involved in the program are experts in their respective fields, often engaged in ongoing research and community initiatives. The program also encourages participation in internships, study abroad opportunities, and cross-disciplinary projects to deepen students’ practical and theoretical knowledge. Graduates of the Africana Studies program often pursue careers in education, research, activism, public service, and international development, equipped with a broad understanding and the analytical skills necessary to address issues related to race, ethnicity, and social justice.

Hampshire College's diverse academic environment and commitment to social change make it an ideal place for students interested in exploring critical issues related to Africa and its diaspora through a comprehensive, interdisciplinary lens. The program prepares students to become informed citizens and leaders capable of engaging with the complexities of African and African-descended communities around the world.