The African and African American Studies Program offers an interdisciplinary minor open to students in all majors.

Students who pursue this minor examine the cultural, historical, economic, and political dimensions of people of African descent in America, the Caribbean, Africa, and throughout the Diaspora. Students learn theories and methodologies that are used to examine the complex dynamics of race, class, gender, and ethnicity in America. Through the coursework for this program, students develop critical and analytical approaches to societal issues because they are addressed through a variety of academic disciplines.

Students are encouraged to do an internship as part of the minor to further enhance their education and provide them with valuable preparation for the workforce.

African American Studies Research and Resource Center

The goal of the African American Studies Research and Resource Center (Paul Robeson Room) is to facilitate new ways for George Mason University students to learn about the African diaspora. As part of their academic and community involvements, students often need to address issues related to African and African American Studies. The center offers them opportunities for hands-on experience with African and African American life. It has been instrumental in assisting students, faculty, staff, and the community in finding resources to accomplish this goal.

The center sponsors a lecture series and a scholar-in-residence program and offers research and resources support for the Mason community.

Program Faculty

Associate Professors

LaNitra M Berger
Benedict Carton
Christy L Pichichero

Distinguished Visiting Professor of Practice

RaShall Brackney

African American Studies (AFAM)

AFAM Course Schedule

200 Level Courses

AFAM 200: Introduction to African American Studies. 3 credits.
Interdisciplinary introduction to the field of African American studies. Includes comparative analysis of approaches, methodologies, and key concepts related to the study of people of African descent in the United States, continental Africa, and throughout the African diaspora. Lectures and discussion integrate attention to such issues as diversity and multiculturalism from national and global perspectives. Offered by African & Af-American Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core (All), Social/Behavioral Sciences
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

300 Level Courses

AFAM 390: Special Topics in African and African American Studies. 3 credits.
Study of selected topics related to the study of people of African descent in Africa, the United States, the Caribbean, Latin Americas and throughout the African Diaspora. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by African & Af-American Studies. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 12 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

400 Level Courses

AFAM 490: Internship. 1-6 credits.
Approved work-study program in cooperation with specific organizations including area museums; NGOs; and local, state, and federal agencies. Students should arrange for an internship in the semester before they wish to enroll. Permission required from program director. Offered by African & Af-American Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Internship
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
AFAM 499: Independent Study. 1-3 credits.
Investigation of an area related to African American studies according to individual interest, with emphasis on research. Permission required from program director. Offered by African & Af-American Studies. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 9 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Independent Study
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.