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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

AFA 2000Introduction to African American Studies3
AFA 3110Key Issues in African American and Black-Atlantic Thought3
AFA 4936African American Studies Senior Integrative Seminar3
Select one African American Studies required course: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
Select one applied, experiential, or research methods course (inside or outside of AFA):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
Core Courses
STA 3024
Introduction to Statistics 2
STA 4322
Introduction to Statistics Theory
WST 4935
Capstone Seminar
African American Studies Major Electives
AFA-prefixed courses at the 3000 level or higher6
AFA-prefixed (any level) or AFA-approved courses9
Total Credits30

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.


 

Current Semester Schedule of Courses

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 #10143
T | Periods 2-3 (8:30 AM - 10:25 AM)
R | Period 3 (9:35 AM - 10:25 AM)
EEP EligibleGen Ed: HumanitiesWriting: 6,000 Words
Instructor: robert stevenson
Meet: Primary Classroom
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 12/8/2025 @ 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Class Dates: 08/21/2025 - 12/03/2025
Class #10144
EEP EligibleAdd'l Course Fees: $18.00Gen Ed: HumanitiesWriting: 6,000 Words
Instructor: Courtney Taylor
Meet: Primary Classroom
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: TBA
Class Dates: 08/21/2025 - 12/03/2025
Class #25894
M, W, F | Period 7 (1:55 PM - 2:45 PM)
EEP EligibleGen Ed: HumanitiesWriting: 6,000 Words
Instructor: J. Young
Meet: Primary Classroom
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 12/12/2025 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Class Dates: 08/21/2025 - 12/03/2025
Class #28972
EEP EligibleGen Ed: HumanitiesWriting: 6,000 Words
Instructor: robert stevenson
Meet: Primary Classroom
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: TBA
Class Dates: 08/21/2025 - 12/03/2025
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 #23488
EEP EligibleAdd'l Course Fees: $18.00
Instructor: Drew Brown
Meet: Primary Classroom
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: TBA
Class Dates: 08/21/2025 - 12/03/2025
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 #23470
EEP EligibleAdd'l Course Fees: $18.00Writing: 6,000 Words
Instructor: robert stevenson
Meet: Primary Classroom
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: TBA
Class Dates: 08/21/2025 - 12/03/2025
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.
AFA3223 - African American History: 1865 to Today
Examines the history of African Americans in the United States from the end of the Civil War in 1865 to the present day. Through readings, lectures, discussions, and research, explores the major political, social, and cultural events and movements that have shaped the lives of African Americans during this period.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
Class #25905
EEP Eligible
Instructor: Alyssa Cole
Meet: Primary Classroom
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: TBA
Class Dates: 08/21/2025 - 12/03/2025
Examines the history of African Americans in the United States from the end of the Civil War in 1865 to the present day. Through readings, lectures, discussions, and research, explores the major political, social, and cultural events and movements that have shaped the lives of African Americans during this period.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
AFA3930 - Special Topics in African American Studies: US Constitutional Law
Lectures and seminars covering selected topics of current interests in African American studies.
Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
Class #20565
M, W, F | Period 1 (7:25 AM - 8:15 AM)
EEP EligibleWriting: 6,000 Words
Instructor: Samuel Stafford
Meet: Primary Classroom
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 12/9/2025 @ 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Class Dates: 08/21/2025 - 12/03/2025
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: 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 #20566
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
Meet: Primary Classroom
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 12/9/2025 @ 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Class Dates: 08/21/2025 - 12/03/2025
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 #23521
M, W, F | Period 5 (11:45 AM - 12:35 PM)
EEP Eligible
Instructor: Courtney Taylor
Meet: Primary Classroom
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 12/9/2025 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Class Dates: 08/21/2025 - 12/03/2025
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: The Harlem Renaissance
Lectures and seminars covering selected topics of current interests in African American studies.
Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
Class #24432
EEP Eligible
Instructor: J. Young
Meet: Primary Classroom
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: TBA
Class Dates: 08/21/2025 - 12/03/2025
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: Passing: Black White Jewish
Lectures and seminars covering selected topics of current interests in African American studies.
Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
Class #26334
T | Period 7 (1:55 PM - 2:45 PM)
TBA
R | Periods 7-8 (1:55 PM - 3:50 PM)
TBA
EEP Eligible
Instructor: Roy Holler
Meet: Primary Classroom
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 12/11/2025 @ 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Class Dates: 08/21/2025 - 12/03/2025
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: Black Love,Kinship & Community
Lectures and seminars covering selected topics of current interests in African American studies.
Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
Class #26344
M, W, F | Period 6 (12:50 PM - 1:40 PM)
EEP Eligible
Instructor: Riché Barnes
Meet: Primary Classroom
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 12/11/2025 @ 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Class Dates: 08/21/2025 - 12/03/2025
Lectures and seminars covering selected topics of current interests in African American studies.
Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
AFA4135 - Theories of Black America
A multi-disciplinary examination of some of the important theories and concepts used to explain Black social, political and cultural behavior in the United States for the past 150 years.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
Class #25891
EEP Eligible
Instructor: Kevin Winstead
Meet: Primary Classroom
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: TBA
Class Dates: 08/21/2025 - 12/03/2025
A multi-disciplinary examination of some of the important theories and concepts used to explain Black social, political and cultural behavior in the United States for the past 150 years.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
AFA4931 - Special Topics: Health, Equity & Community
Selected topics in African American studies.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
Class #26332
T | Period 4 (10:40 AM - 11:30 AM)
R | Periods 4-5 (10:40 AM - 12:35 PM)
---
Instructor: Alyssa Cole
Meet: Primary Classroom
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 12/11/2025 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Class Dates: 08/21/2025 - 12/03/2025
Selected topics in African American studies.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
AFA4931 - Special Topics: Afro Caribbean American Politi
Selected topics in African American studies.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
Class #27228
T | Period 7 (1:55 PM - 2:45 PM)
R | Periods 7-8 (1:55 PM - 3:50 PM)
---
Instructor: Sharon Austin
Meet: Primary Classroom
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 12/11/2025 @ 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Class Dates: 08/21/2025 - 12/03/2025
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 #23491
M, W, F | Period 8 (3:00 PM - 3:50 PM)
EEP EligibleWriting: 6,000 Words
Instructor: Kevin Winstead
Meet: Primary Classroom
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: 12/12/2025 @ 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Class Dates: 08/21/2025 - 12/03/2025
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.
AFA4970 - Honors Thesis: Senior Honor Thesis
Comprehensive research paper that examines a relevant topic in the discipline of African American studies.
Prereq: AFA 2000.
Class #27424
Instructor: Courtney Taylor
Meet: Primary Classroom
Credits: 3
Department: African American Studies
Final Exam: TBA
Class Dates: 08/21/2025 - 12/03/2025
Comprehensive research paper that examines a relevant topic in the discipline of African American studies.
Prereq: AFA 2000.

Courses That Meet Writing Requirements

View the table below to see what courses satisfy which requirements.

Course NameHumanitiesWritingSocial & BehavioralInternationalApplied/Experiential/Research Methods
African American Religion (AFA 3356)Yes
The African Diaspora (AFA 3240)6,000 words
The Archaeology of African American Life (AFA 3360)2,000 wordsYes
Black Feminist/Womanist Theory (AFA 3332)6,000 words
Black Masculinity (AFA 3350)Yes6,000
Civil Rights and Religion (AFA 3357) Yes4,000 words
Introduction to African American Studies (AFA 2000) Yes4,000 words
Key Issues in African American and Black Atlantic Thought (AFA 3110)Yes6,000 words