African Studies Program
The interdisciplinary African Studies program provides students with an introduction to the complex experiences of Africa and Africans over space and time. The primary theme is the positioning of Africans as actors of their own history rather than the subjects of other peoples’ initiatives. Of special interest is their experience in the Americas, with a focus on their diverse political institutions and structures, economic, cultural, social and religious systems, and ideologies. The program covers Africa and the African-American, African-Caribbean, African-Latin and African-Asian diasporas. Such broad scope enables students to develop a comprehensive and global perspective on the African experience worldwide. Students are reminded that many courses under other denominations, especially under History, and World Religions, do count as AFS courses.
Faculty and Professional Interests
Mohamed Mbodj (Chair)– African and African-American history, Current issues, Race and ethnicity, Political history
James Jones – African and African-American religions, Islam, socio-cultural theory
Colin Morris – American history, Civil War and Reconstruction, New York City history
Carmelo Comberiati – African music
Gillian Greenhill Hannum – Art history, Harlem Renaissance
Deborah Saleeby-Mulligan – African art
Adjunct Faculty
Daniel Nanjira – African politics, international affairs, diplomacy, African regionalism