BA in African Studies and the African Diaspora in Chicago United States | Loyola University Chicago

Loyola's African Studies and the African Diaspora (AFR) program is an interdisciplinary academic initiative that succeeded the Black World Studies Program in July 2014. This comprehensive program draws from diverse scholarly approaches and cultural traditions to offer students a multifaceted understanding of African experiences across history, geography, and contemporary contexts. Our curriculum equips majors and minors to engage meaningfully with discussions about Africa's socio-political, literary, cultural, psychological, and spiritual impacts on global society. Students explore everything from African nations' histories and cultures to the global African diaspora's influence, including African American experiences. The program offers study abroad opportunities in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, enhancing students' global perspectives on issues of social justice and globalization. Additionally, students can participate in internships and service-learning programs that complement classroom learning. Originally established in 1971 as Loyola's first interdisciplinary program, Black World Studies served the university's educational mission for over 40 years before evolving into its current form to reflect contemporary academic approaches to African and diaspora studies.
Graduates of our program develop the ability to recognize and value the significant contributions of African and African-descended communities worldwide across various fields including literature, politics, spirituality, and the arts. They gain skills to effectively share this knowledge across cultural boundaries, fostering understanding, tolerance, and inclusive attitudes that contribute to a more equitable society. The program emphasizes appreciating diversity in race, gender, sexuality, culture, ethnicity, and religion. Students learn to articulate Africa's role as humanity's birthplace, trace African cultural influences throughout history, and understand how African identities have manifested globally over centuries.
This specialized program prepares students for diverse career paths in business, government, education, non-profit work, healthcare, and graduate studies in humanities, social sciences, and professional fields.