About the Program

The Mission of the University of Oklahoma African and African American Studies Program (AFAM) is first to exemplify excellence in research, teaching and service, in accordance with the mission of the University of Oklahoma (OU) and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).  Specifically, AFAM has the mission to provide studies with a broad, interdisciplinary education inclusive of a focus on Africa and the traditional areas of study of the African American Studies / Black Studies discipline.

The African & African American Studies (AFAM) program offers the B.A. degree in African & African American Studies. Students earning a B.A. degree in AFAM must also complete specified University and College of Arts & Sciences degree requirements. Students may also choose to enroll with a minor in AFAM.

AFAM courses are exciting, challenging and offer students (from all racial and ethnic backgrounds) the opportunity to hear and discuss important content, essential to Africa and the African American experience, in a constructive learning environment. Students are exposed to different theoretical approaches, typically taught in Black Studies. All students should emerge from the program with a clearer understanding of African-centered thought, as well as alternative paradigms articulated within the discipline.

AFAM classes are offered during regularly scheduled 15 week semesters, and in a three-weekend format. While most AFAM courses are offered in Norman, selected classes are offered on the Tulsa campus. A few courses are now offered on-line, as well.

Strong core curriculum content (15 hours) is a particular strength of the program.  AFAM majors take courses such as: seminal introductory content specific to the discipline; essential content about Africa and the Diaspora; African American history; research methods with special focus pertaining to the discipline; and a Capstone course integrating major discipline content. In addition to core content, the program has guided electives selected from three groups: Historical issues; Contemporary Social Issues and Aesthetics; and, finally, a broad group of free electives.

Majors in AFAM complete 9 hours of guided electives and 12 hours of free electives in addition to the core courses, for a total of 36 credit hours.

Minors enrolling in AFAM have three core classes (Introductory class to AFAM studies, Africa and the Diaspora and African American History) and three free electives for a total of eighteen hours. Students may also enroll as double/dual majors.

Given the strength of the OU program, AFAM majors should be well prepared to enter top graduate AFAM programs anywhere in the country. Recent graduates of the program are also very competitive for Law School and the continuation of studies in a number of other areas such as community service, journalism and education.

As is the case traditionally with AFAM/Black Studies Programs, the OU AFAM program serves students from across the campus, across the colleges and disciplines, in addition to those who select AFAM as a major/minor. Many students enroll in AFAM courses to fulfill General Education or elective requirements. Around 700 students enroll in AFAM courses each semester.

Students evaluate the AFAM program very positively particularly with regard to the high quality courses offered, the number and accessibility of courses; the personal and professional development encouraged; and the preparation for future academic studies and the professional workplace. Students also value the program’s focus on developing critical thinking skills; writing skills; and public speaking skills.

Finally, students appreciate a supportive faculty and staff; program links with student organizations; sponsored events on campus and outside; and links with the community and community organizations.