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African and African American Studies Department

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Students of African and African American Studies are not only taught the relevant history and concerns of people of African descent around the world, they’re also encouraged to live them by completing internships and service projects in the local community. Plus, students interested in studying the people and culture of Ghana are encouraged to take advantage of study abroad and internship programs.

Courses are taught from different disciplinary and philosophical perspectives, and students are encouraged to examine their own values as they relate to the curriculum content and to then connect them with their personal perspectives.

In this vibrant area of study, Guilford College seeks to do more than teach. We firmly believe we can shape and define this discipline as a whole, studying the beauty, creativity, intellect and power of these cultures while also getting to the root causes of social and cultural issues. Doing so primes our graduates to be agents of change in the larger world.

The African and African American Studies major seeks to develop greater respect for scholarship as a tool for problem-solving, encourage the pursuit of social justice and foster an appreciation of racial and cultural differences in the United States and beyond.

This major prepares students for careers in such fields as criminal justice, education, law, health care, higher education, human relations, management, marketing, news media, politics, sports management and social work. It also lays a foundation for graduate studies in the field.


College Catalog

For more information about courses for the African and African American Studies Department, visit the online, searchable College Catalog. The Undergraduate Catalog also includes academic department and major information, academic regulations and resources, admission standards and requirements, and tuition, fees, and financial aid information.

Majors and Minors

I entered Guilford as a quiet, reserved individual, unsure of where this journey would end. I left Guilford as an outspoken leader, ready to take on the world.

Rena Davis '16
African and African American Studies, Psychology Double Major
  • Bachelor of Arts in African and African American Studies: African and African American Studies is an interdisciplinary major that requires a second disciplinary major and an adviser in each. These areas of study include courses in English, French, Political Science, History, Justice and Policy Studies, Philosophy, Psychology, Music, International Studies and Sociology and Anthropology.
  • Minor in African and African American Studies: The minor requires four courses in at least two different disciplines. Students may take courses in English, French, Political Science, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Music, International Studies and Sociology and Anthropology.

African and African American Studies Department News and Events

Framing Her Future
Framing Her Future

From her first-year seminar to producing videos for QuakerSpeak, Rebecca Hamilton-Levi ’18 is building her future as a filmmaker with a little help from the Guilford community.

Black History Month 2020 [VIDEO]
Black History Month 2020 [VIDEO]

Guilford College celebrated Black History Month 2020 with various events, celebrations, discussions, and more. Students had the opportunity to engage with and…

A Social Justice Summer
A Social Justice Summer

Starlynn Mendez ’23 spent the summer giving back to Lantinx youth at the same social justice summer camp she attended as a high school student.

Contact Us

Karen Tinsley
Karen Tinsley

Professor for Psychology

Tracie Fellers
Tracie Fellers

Visiting Assistant Professor for English

Rehshetta Wells
Rehshetta Wells

Part-Time Lecturer for Justice and Policy Studies