What is an africana studies minor?

Africana studies is an interdisciplinary discipline in which students learn to examine the experiences, culture and history of African-descended people worldwide. The field embraces Africa, Afro-America and the Caribbean but does not confine itself to those three geographical areas. The minor investigates how race and the treatment of people based on racial difference influenced the modern world’s development. The field draws from multiple disciplines, including sociology, psychology, philosophy, music, anthropology, economics, biology, education, history and political science.

Why minor in Africana studies at Furman?

As a private liberal arts and sciences university, Furman provides an exceptional environment for multidisciplinary studies, allowing students to find connections between multiple areas of interest. The Africana studies minor includes course options from several different academic disciplines. Small class sizes give students increased access to professors who are among the best in their fields. Our focus on engaged learning leverages Furman’s strong undergraduate research, internship and study away opportunities. Plan a visit to our beautiful campus or request information to learn more.

How will you learn?

The Africana studies minor balances coursework and research with real, practical experience. Sharpen your critical thinking, problem solving, and verbal and written communication skills. Travel to southern Africa to study the sociology of medicine, public health and global health. Or choose a three-week, immersive May Experience, “Media and Culture in Ghana,” which explores topics such as the transatlantic slave trade, customs, traditions, gender roles, socio-economic development and media practices.

Featured Africana studies courses

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  • 94%
    placement rate for all students six months after graduating (employed or in graduate school)
  • 70 +
    total areas of study at Furman
  • No. 2
    Top Colleges in South Carolina, according to Forbes

What our students say

“Now is this time to expand our understanding, our appreciation, and, most importantly, our education on the stories and traditions of African predecessors. Their historical significance should be deliberated upon with a full comprehensive curriculum.”
– Imani-Grace King ’19

Our faculty

Associate professor, Teresa Nesbit Cosby

Teresa Nesbitt Cosby

Professor, Politics & International Affairs
Cynthia King

Cynthia King

Associate Dean of Academic Community
A man wearing glasses and smiling with a jacket on.

Nicholas Radel

Professor of English
Dr. Sneed

Roger Sneed

Professor of Religion
Claire Whitlinger

Claire Whitlinger

Associate Professor of Sociology; Program Founder, Intergroup Dialogue Program; Co-Director, Intergroup Dialogue Program
Holly Pinheiro, Jr. headshot

Holly Pinheiro, Jr.

Associate Professor, History
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Geniece Crawford Mondé

Herman N. Hipp Associate Professor of Sociology
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Stephen Mandravelis

Assistant Professor of Art History; Director, Thompson Gallery of Art
Matt Dingledine

Matt Dingledine

Visiting Lecturer, Music
Judith Williams

Judith Williams

Assistant Professor, Anthropology
Kaniqua Robinson

Kaniqua Robinson

Assistant Professor, Anthropology
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