Africana Studies Major (GIS)

Chairperson: Chiji Akọma, Ph.D.
Office Location: 36 Garey Hall
Telephone: 610-519-6302
[Website]

About

The Department of Global Interdisciplinary Studies (GIS) provides students with a tripartite of skills, knowledge, and values that foster critical thinking, problem solving, and preparation for responsible global citizenship. Students gain an understanding of global studies, acquiring the know-how in global and digital literacy, cultural diversity and intercultural competences, interdisciplinary research, and a passion for social justice, nurtured in experiential learning.

PRIMARY MAJOR (122 credits)

Required Major Courses (34 credits)

Villanova’s Africana Studies Program connects faculty, students, and community members interested in the academic study of Africa and the African diaspora. With 25 faculty affiliates, about 20 courses offered each semester, a robust calendar of public events, and a major and a minor, the Program has grown significantly since its founding in 1994. Whether the topic is politics in Africa, the literature of the Black diaspora in France, the history of the US civil rights movement, or Black theology, the Africana Studies Program encourages critical thinking, crossing disciplinary boundaries, and connecting academic work with lived reality. The Africana Studies Program pursues knowledge that has often been overlooked or undervalued as we strive to develop deeply inclusive community. Indeed, as an Augustinian Catholic university, Villanova is oriented to its core by the vision of an African diasporic faith leader.

Required Specialization Courses:

Six courses with the AFR attribute for a minimum of 18 credits, including the courses listed below.

Program Notes:

  • Students may also combine three 1-credit IGR courses to count as one of the undesignated Africana courses
  • For GIS 5011, Team-taught Topics Student takes two different topics, the first of which counts as the Junior Research Seminar for the Major (6 credits). 
  • Courses taken as part of a study abroad program may be counted
  • A GIS 5011 with AFR attribute (or other course approved by the program director) may be counted among the six courses, as long as the two required GIS 5011 courses for the GIS major have been fulfilled.

Required GIS Courses:

Course
Title
Credits
Study Abroad  +
GIS Africana Elective  +
12
Sub-Total Credits
34

Core Curriculum Requirements (44 credits)

Course
Title
Credits
Mathematics or Statistics (1 course)  +
3
Natural Science (2 courses with laboratory)  +
8
Literature and Writing Seminar (1 course)  +
3
History (1 course)   +
3
Social Sciences (2 courses)  +
6
Fine Arts (1 course)  +
3
Upper-Level Theology (1 course)  +
3
Language Requirement  +
Diversity Requirement (2 courses)  +
Sub-Total Credits
44

Free Elective Requirement (44 credits)

Students with an Africana Studies primary major have forty-four (44) required free elective credits. 

Degree Credit Summary

  • Major Credits: 34 credits
  • Core Credits: 44 credits
  • Free Electives Credits: 44 credits
  • Total Required Credits: 122 Credits

Note: The above credit totals are based on the minimum number of required credits in each degree area. The minimum number of required credits in each area listed above must be met. Credits taken beyond the required minimum for one area may not be applied to another area. 

SECONDARY MAJOR

Students who declare Africana Studies as a secondary major must complete the Required Major Courses to achieve this major. Students are able to count any eligible course taken in their primary major, the core curriculum, minors, concentrations, or free electives toward these requirements. 

Total Credits:
31-34

 

Disclaimer:
The above program requirements are applicable to students entering Summer 2024 and beyond. Please consult the appropriate archived catalog available on the homepage for years prior to these requirements. In order that programs offered by Villanova University reflect current advances and additions to knowledge and upgraded professional requirements, Villanova University reserves the right to change programs and requirements without prior notice. Students generally are bound to the requirements in effect and published online for the year in which their class begins its first year of study. Special requirements may be in effect for students who have left the University and are being readmitted. Students are advised to check with the web catalog or with their college offices regarding changes that may affect them. Additional academic information may be obtained from the various college offices and the web sites listed for the particular policies, programs and services found in this catalog. 

Overview

Program

Type

Bachelor of Arts

Curriculum Guide

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