AFRAM-BA - African and African American Studies (BA)
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Program Overview
The Department of African and African American Studies (DAAAS) equips students with the skills to understand how Africa and its diasporas are distinct worlds, yet bound by history and in constant conversation. The DAAAS major takes both African and diasporic worlds seriously, exploring the diversity of African and African-descended experiences while tracing the connections that link them. Our courses examine how African and African-descended peoples helped build the modern world and how they will shape what comes next - from global politics and artificial intelligence to cultural and artistic innovation. Students learn to think rigorously about the evolving meanings of identity, power, freedom, creativity, innovation, and social responsibility in an interconnected world. Graduates of DAAAS pursue careers in law and public policy, the arts, media, business, medicine, education, science and technology, and public service.
Minimum Units in the Program
Minimum University Units
- 2284411
- 1151492
- 2255631
The field of African and African American Studies has a rich history and tradition of being grounded in theory, practice, and community. The field was founded out of community demand and thus we have a social responsibility to engage in work that services Black, African, and/or African diasporic communities. The DAAAS community engaged learning requirement allows students to engage with communities to address a collective problem or societal need, critically examine public issues, and/or engage in a community-based project. This requirement allows students to either take a relevant class from one of these Community Engaged Learning course offerings via Cardinal courses (courses must have a focus on Black, African, and/or African Diasporic community/communities). Students can also choose to design their own community engaged learning experience in close collaboration with their faculty advisor and the DAAAS Director of Advanced Studies and Community Engaged Learning. This could involve an individualized and ethical strategy for engagement with an African diasporic community in the Bay Area (examples include the Congolese Community Center in Oakland; the Central African Dance Center in Richmond; the Eritrean Community Center in San Francisco, amongst many other possibilities). Students are also able to fulfill the requirement through participation in a one of Stanford’s Bing Overseas Study programs (BOSP). Either through BOSP’s Global Seminars or quarter-long Stanford-In programs, particularly the Cape Town program, students are able to fulfill their community engaged learning requirement via participation in an overseas program that focuses on Black, African, and/or African diasporic communities. Note that a study abroad course must contain a community engaged learning component in the course to fulfill the requirement for the major. DAAAS students must take a 2 credit “re-entry” directed readings course with their faculty advisor upon returning from an overseas study course. In connection with this community engaged requirement, students could design a public deliverable that could also become the basis for their final Capstone project or Honors thesis project.
- 2259861
- 2279821
- 2270711
- 2222251
- 2212191
- 2268191
- 2233081
- 2242451
At least 15 units are selected to create a comprehensive understanding of the field of African and African American Studies, including the central role of artistic practice. The courses introduce students to diverse geographical regions (in Africa and the Americas), as well as to diverse methodologies marrying creativity and critical thinking.
Select 3 courses; at least 2 must be DAAAS; the other may be taken from another department if approved by the SSO.
- 2278561
- 2273311
- 2277791
- 2284032
- 2221741
- 2268081
- 2283631
- 2278591
- 2279821
- 2277891
- 2278561
- 2221741
- 2259861
Select 5 courses and a minimum of 15 units from 1 thematic cluster; 3 courses must be in DAAAS.
- 2271721
- 2277781
- 2277791
- 2271001
- 2221741
- 2234272
- 2273311
- 2284032
- 2232181
- 1151492
- 2255631
- 2284461
- 2284421
- 2284471
- 2283631
- 2278591
- 2277891
- 2237627
- 2268081
- 2259851
- 2279821
- 2259861
- 2247852
The other 15 units (to make the total of 64 units required by our Major) will consist of Department approved electives both within and outside of DAAAS.
- 2104131
Note: course also satisfies Capstone/Senior Seminar
- 2104131
Note: course also satisfies WIM. The capstone course is the culminating course of the DAAAS major degree, offered during the Autumn quarter of a major’s senior year. All senior majors will present their Capstone or Honors thesis projects at DAAAS Senior Presentations during the Spring quarter of their senior year.
The Department of African & African American Studies honors program provides qualified DAAAS majors with the opportunity to pursue original research in their areas of interest pertaining to Black Studies or any other approach to African and African American Studies during their senior year. Students are expected to produce a paper of the highest quality reflecting three quarters of sustained effort and engagement. Over the course of their senior year, students will develop effective research skills and the ability to critically analyze data. Students will also learn how to construct persuasive arguments and to communicate their new insights with attention to both clarity and nuance, culminating in a 40-60 page honors thesis.
To participate in the DAAAS honors program, students must average a minimum 3.5 overall GPA average. The final honors or creative honors thesis must receive a grade of an “A” in order for students to earn the honors distinction in the Department of African & African American Studies. Students must also prepare and deliver a conference-style presentation of their work during the DAAAS Senior Presentations during the Spring quarter of their senior year.
DAAAS majors participating in the honors program must enroll in 5 units of course (the DAAAS Capstone course, which is also a WIM course) in the Autumn, 5 units of course in the Winter, and 5 units of course in the Spring. Please note that the DAAAS honors program courses (course and course) do not count toward students’ overall units required for the DAAAS major.
The DAAAS Capstone course and two honors courses provide students with a community of peers conducting scholarly research with support from the Director of Advanced Studies and Community Engaged Learning, faculty advisors, workshop leaders, and other units on campus like the Hume Center for Writing and Speaking, as they work on their honors and creative honors theses.
- 2104131
- 2104141
- 2104151