Overview
This interdisciplinary major provides students with vital analytical, writing, research, and communication skills. The curriculum emphasizes engagement with anthropology, mass communications, education, English, history, linguistics, political science, psychology, religion, sociology, and women’s studies. The program also includes courses that emphasize US-Canadian, US-Caribbean, and US-African relations and assists students in finding internships for college credit, research opportunities for graduate school, applying for study abroad programs, and positioning in a wide-variety of careers.
After obtaining a degree in African American Studies, students can seek careers in management and industry, communications and media, education, non-profit management and advocacy, government, politics and law, and health careers. Graduates will also be prepared to enter graduate programs in liberal arts and social science disciplines, and professional degree programs (with the addition of some prerequisites).
Requirements for the Major
The major requires 30 credits of coursework in African American studies core and elective courses. All coursework must be completed with minimum grades of C. A minimum of 15 credits of coursework in the major must be completed at UF. Core and elective courses are often cross-listed with other departments, enabling students to examine the African American experience from a variety of disciplines.
Required Major Coursework
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| AFA 2000 | Introduction to African American Studies | 3 |
| AFA 3110 | Key Issues in African American and Black-Atlantic Thought | 3 |
| AFA 4936 | African American Studies Senior Integrative Seminar | 3 |
| 3 |
AFA 3240 | The African Diaspora | |
AFA 3303 | The Wire | |
AFA 3332 | Black Feminist and Womanist Theory | |
AFA 3350 | Black Masculinity | |
AFA 3354 | Race, Religion, and Rebellion | |
AFA 3356 | African American Religion | |
AFA 3357 | Civil Rights and Religion | |
AFA 3371 | History of Hip-Hop | |
POS 4077 | African American Politics and Policy | |
POS 4624 | Race, Law and the Constitution | |
| 3 |
AFA 3850 | Research Methods in African American History | |
AFA 3915C | Mentoring At-Risk Youth | |
AFH 4930 | History Research Seminar: Africa | |
AMH 4930 | History Research Seminar: US | |
ENC 2256 | Writing in the Disciplines | |
ENC 2305 | Analytical Writing and Thinking | |
POS 4734 | Research Methods in Political Science | |
REL 3931 | Junior Seminar | |
REL 4932 | Thesis Seminar in Religion | |
STA 2023 | Introduction to Statistics 1 | |
STA 3024 | Introduction to Statistics 2 | |
STA 4322 | Introduction to Statistics Theory | |
WST 4935 | Capstone Seminar | |
| 6 |
| 9 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
The same course may not be used to meet two different requirements.
Overseas Study
The African American Studies Program currently sponsors one study abroad course. This is a two-credit African Americans in Paris course that is offered during the Spring semester, and includes the study of the African American cultural, historical, and political experience in Paris, France. Students travel to Paris during Spring Break.
AFA2000 - Introduction to African American Studies
This course explores the broad and deep experiences of Africans in America, beginning in Africa, the birthplace of civilization and humanity. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach, we will examine the political, cultural, economic, artistic, and social themes that have shaped African American realities. The curriculum emphasizes high-level academic and critical thinking skills, ensuring students develop a broad foundational knowledge. It includes historically accurate content that promotes an understanding of the constitutional republic, the historical background, and the philosophical foundations of Western civilization, including key documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Federalist Papers. This course meets the general education standards and competencies required for informed citizenship and lifelong learning.
Class #18605
M, W, F | Period 5 (11:45 AM - 12:35 PM)
EEP EligibleGen Ed: HumanitiesWriting: 6,000 Words
Instructor: Courtney Taylor
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 4/29/2026 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Class #21744
EEP EligibleAdd'l Course Fees: $12.00Gen Ed: HumanitiesWriting: 6,000 Words
Instructor: J. Young
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: TBA
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Class #25961
EEP EligibleAdd'l Course Fees: $12.00Gen Ed: HumanitiesWriting: 6,000 Words
Instructor: robert stevenson
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: TBA
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
This course explores the broad and deep experiences of Africans in America, beginning in Africa, the birthplace of civilization and humanity. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach, we will examine the political, cultural, economic, artistic, and social themes that have shaped African American realities. The curriculum emphasizes high-level academic and critical thinking skills, ensuring students develop a broad foundational knowledge. It includes historically accurate content that promotes an understanding of the constitutional republic, the historical background, and the philosophical foundations of Western civilization, including key documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Federalist Papers. This course meets the general education standards and competencies required for informed citizenship and lifelong learning.
AFA2390 - Race and Sports in America
Examine race, racism, and racialization in the sporting context in order to understand many salient issues in American society such as nationalism and patriotism, capitalism, sexism, oppression, etc. See the ways sports influence racial ideologies as well as the pervasiveness of racial oppression that exists on and off the playing field.
Class #25995
T | Periods 5-6 (11:45 AM - 1:40 PM)
R | Period 6 (12:50 PM - 1:40 PM)
EEP Eligible
Instructor: Drew Brown
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 4/27/2026 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Examine race, racism, and racialization in the sporting context in order to understand many salient issues in American society such as nationalism and patriotism, capitalism, sexism, oppression, etc. See the ways sports influence racial ideologies as well as the pervasiveness of racial oppression that exists on and off the playing field.
AFA3110 - Key Issues in African American and Black-Atlantic Thought
The leading voices of resistance and social change that have influenced African American intellectual history, black public consciousness, political action and social theory.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
Class #18581
T | Period 4 (10:40 AM - 11:30 AM)
TBA
R | Periods 4-5 (10:40 AM - 12:35 PM)
TBA
EEP EligibleWriting: 6,000 Words
Instructor: robert stevenson
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 4/28/2026 @ 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Class #25975
EEP EligibleAdd'l Course Fees: $12.00Writing: 6,000 Words
Instructor: Courtney Taylor
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: TBA
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
The leading voices of resistance and social change that have influenced African American intellectual history, black public consciousness, political action and social theory.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
AFA3840 - Black Digital Humanities
Introduces Black Digital Humanities as a discipline. Examines Black life using computational tools, methods, and approaches combining computational and humanistic inquiry. Explores different modes of inquiry through readings, lectures, discussions, and research.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
Class #22418
T | Period 7 (1:55 PM - 2:45 PM)
R | Periods 7-8 (1:55 PM - 3:50 PM)
EEP Eligible
Instructor: J. Young
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 5/1/2026 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Introduces Black Digital Humanities as a discipline. Examines Black life using computational tools, methods, and approaches combining computational and humanistic inquiry. Explores different modes of inquiry through readings, lectures, discussions, and research.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
AFA3930 - Special Topics in African American Studies: American Civil Liberties
Lectures and seminars covering selected topics of current interests in African American studies.
Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
Class #10169
T | Period 1 (7:25 AM - 8:15 AM)
R | Periods 1-2 (7:25 AM - 9:20 AM)
EEP EligibleWriting: 6,000 Words
Instructor: Samuel Stafford
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 4/28/2026 @ 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Lectures and seminars covering selected topics of current interests in African American studies.
Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
AFA3930 - Special Topics in African American Studies: Race Law and Constitution
Lectures and seminars covering selected topics of current interests in African American studies.
Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
Class #17374
M, W, F | Period 1 (7:25 AM - 8:15 AM)
EEP EligibleWriting: 6,000 Words
Instructor: Samuel Stafford
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 4/28/2026 @ 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Lectures and seminars covering selected topics of current interests in African American studies.
Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
AFA3930 - Special Topics in African American Studies: Slavery & Black Girlhood
Lectures and seminars covering selected topics of current interests in African American studies.
Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
Class #25956
M, W, F | Period 4 (10:40 AM - 11:30 AM)
EEP Eligible
Instructor: Courtney Taylor
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 5/1/2026 @ 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Lectures and seminars covering selected topics of current interests in African American studies.
Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
AFA3930 - Special Topics in African American Studies: Intro to Black Women Studies
Lectures and seminars covering selected topics of current interests in African American studies.
Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
Class #25990
T | Periods 5-6 (11:45 AM - 1:40 PM)
R | Period 6 (12:50 PM - 1:40 PM)
EEP Eligible
Instructor: Riché Barnes
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 4/27/2026 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Lectures and seminars covering selected topics of current interests in African American studies.
Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
AFA3930 - Special Topics in African American Studies: Afrofuturism
Lectures and seminars covering selected topics of current interests in African American studies.
Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
Class #26127
M, W, F | Period 7 (1:55 PM - 2:45 PM)
EEP Eligible
Instructor: Julia Mollenthiel
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 4/30/2026 @ 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Lectures and seminars covering selected topics of current interests in African American studies.
Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
AFA3930 - Special Topics in African American Studies: Hist of Blk Frat Social Orgs
Lectures and seminars covering selected topics of current interests in African American studies.
Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
Class #27189
T | Periods 2-3 (8:30 AM - 10:25 AM)
R | Period 3 (9:35 AM - 10:25 AM)
EEP Eligible
Instructor: robert stevenson
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 4/28/2026 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Lectures and seminars covering selected topics of current interests in African American studies.
Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
AFA4222 - African American History: 1619 to 1865
Explores the history of African Americans from their arrival in the United States in 1619 to the end of the Civil War in 1865. Examines the experiences of enslaved Africans and African Americans, their resistance to slavery, and the various social, cultural, economic, and political forces that shaped their lives during this time period.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
Class #25993
EEP EligibleAdd'l Course Fees: $12.00
Instructor: Alyssa Cole
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: TBA
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Explores the history of African Americans from their arrival in the United States in 1619 to the end of the Civil War in 1865. Examines the experiences of enslaved Africans and African Americans, their resistance to slavery, and the various social, cultural, economic, and political forces that shaped their lives during this time period.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
AFA4352 - Black Hair Politics
Provides a comprehensive interdisciplinary examination of the history, sociology, psychology and economics of Black hair. Students will explore the textures, styles and meanings of Black hair as they relate to identity and power in society.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
Class #27844
Instructor: Kenesma John
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: TBA
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Provides a comprehensive interdisciplinary examination of the history, sociology, psychology and economics of Black hair. Students will explore the textures, styles and meanings of Black hair as they relate to identity and power in society.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
AFA4905 - Individual Study: African Americans in Paris
Directed individual reading or research on topics in African American studies.
Prereq: director permission.
Class #24353
Instructor: Sharon Austin
Credits: 1-5
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: TBA
Class Dates: 05/03/2026 - 05/10/2026
Directed individual reading or research on topics in African American studies.
Prereq: director permission.
AFA4905 - Individual Study: Independent Study
Directed individual reading or research on topics in African American studies.
Prereq: director permission.
Class #24493
Instructor: Alyssa Cole
Credits: 1-5
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: TBA
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Directed individual reading or research on topics in African American studies.
Prereq: director permission.
AFA4911 - Undergraduate Research in African American Studies
Provides opportunity for firsthand, supervised research in areas related to African American Studies. Projects may involve inquiry, design, investigation, scholarship, discovery, or application.
Prereq: 3 credits of AFA 3XXX or AFA 4XXX.
Class #27196
Instructor: Julia Mollenthiel
Credits: 0-3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 4/30/2026 @ 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Provides opportunity for firsthand, supervised research in areas related to African American Studies. Projects may involve inquiry, design, investigation, scholarship, discovery, or application.
Prereq: 3 credits of AFA 3XXX or AFA 4XXX.
AFA4931 - Special Topics: The Color Line
Selected topics in African American studies.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
Class #26284
T | Periods 8-9 (3:00 PM - 4:55 PM)
R | Period 9 (4:05 PM - 4:55 PM)
---
Instructor: Aida Hozic
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 5/1/2026 @ 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Selected topics in African American studies.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
AFA4936 - African American Studies Senior Integrative Seminar
Examination of bibliographic resources and analysis of theory, method, and special problems in the field of African American studies.
Prereq: AFA 2000 and AFA 3110.
Class #22394
M, W, F | Period 8 (3:00 PM - 3:50 PM)
EEP EligibleWriting: 6,000 Words
Instructor: Kevin Winstead
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 4/30/2026 @ 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Examination of bibliographic resources and analysis of theory, method, and special problems in the field of African American studies.
Prereq: AFA 2000 and AFA 3110.
AFA4940 - African American Studies Internship
Complete internships with companies, individuals, institutions, or organizations whose work adds to the knowledge and well-being of the African American community.
Prereq: (African American studies minor or major) and AFA 2000 and at least two 3000-level AFA courses and sophomore status or higher.
Class #27864
Instructor: Riché Barnes
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: TBA
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Complete internships with companies, individuals, institutions, or organizations whose work adds to the knowledge and well-being of the African American community.
Prereq: (African American studies minor or major) and AFA 2000 and at least two 3000-level AFA courses and sophomore status or higher.
AFA4970 - Honors Thesis
Comprehensive research paper that examines a relevant topic in the discipline of African American studies.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
Class #23613
Instructor: Riché Barnes
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: TBA
Class Dates: 01/12/2026 - 04/22/2026
Comprehensive research paper that examines a relevant topic in the discipline of African American studies.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
View the table below to see what courses satisfy which requirements.