Africana Studies Minor

Deepen your understanding of the experience of Black people in society and culture and form a foundation for addressing the broad issues affecting Africans and peoples of African descent.

Why Minor in Africana Studies?

Interdisciplinary by Nature

Focused on the areas of Africa, African America, and the African Caribbean, the Africana Studies minor complements the liberal arts mission of UNC Asheville through its emphasis on critical thinking, communication, creativity, and innovation. Through our interdisciplinary approach, students develop an understanding and appreciation of the complexities of Africana people from both a historical and contemporary perspective.

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Study Abroad Opportunities

Students can enrich their studies by taking advantage of UNC Asheville’s many study abroad opportunities. Africana Studies minors find our Ghana study abroad option an excellent way to gain first-hand experience with cultures, customs, and peoples they learn about in their studies. These trips are typically led by Ghanaian native Agya Boakye-Boaten, Associate Professor and Director of the Interdisciplinary, International, and Africana Studies Programs.

Study Abroad

Professors Agya Boakye Boated and Jeremias Zunguze playing drums outside highsmith

Diverse Perspectives, Collective Humanity

An extension of UNC Asheville’s interdisciplinary studies program, we aim to educate students on the broad issues affecting Africans and peoples of African descent, grounding them in knowledge and appreciation of diverse backgrounds and walks of life. Our faculty actively encourages freedom of thought, scholarly excellence, and creative expression among students as they expand their viewpoints and conceptions of the experience of Black people in society and culture.

Curriculum Outcomes

a student taking a book of a shelf in Ramsey library

Conduct Original Research

Learning by doing is one of the most impactful ways to enhance students’ understanding of their discipline. At UNC Asheville, we encourage this through undergraduate research opportunities that enable Africana Studies minors to delve into topics that intrigue and excite them. This meaningfully contributes to the body of knowledge in the field. Additionally, this work can make students competitive applicants for graduate programs.

Undergraduate Research

Student Spotlight

“Black organizations and Africana made my experience at UNCA so much better. Africana provided a sense of home and community that I need at this PWI and really has taught me very important lessons of how to conduct myself as a Black male in America. Without it, people, especially Black people, will feel isolated from their community.”

Elijah Jefferson

Africana Studies Outside the Classroom

Discover the various extracurricular activities, events, and collaborative projects that Africana Studies minors engage in beyond the traditional classroom setting. From student organizations to the Sankofa Living Learning Community, students have ample opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

Sankofa

We welcome first-year students of color to experience Sankofa, a living and learning community where students can foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in their new UNC Asheville home. In Sankofa, students live and learn alongside their peers, creating lasting friendships and enriching their educational journey.

Learn More About Sankofa

Two students visiting the Black History month mobile museum

Moja, an Interdisciplinary Journal of Africana Studies

An open-access platform for interdisciplinary scholarly dialogues, Moja encourages discussion on topics from all disciplines related to Africana studies. The work Moja publishes explores the contours of Africa and the African Diaspora and provides spaces to engage with subjects, stories, and experiences from diverse systems of knowledge and knowing.

Moja invites the submission of scholarly, critical, theoretical, or pedagogical works spanning not only the traditional ways of understanding “disciplinary views” but also creating a welcoming environment for varied viewpoints. Members of the Editorial Board, as well as other affiliated scholars, peer-review Moja submissions.

Learn More About Moja

Some people at a table speaking at an event

Events

We regularly invite speakers to campus to engage students and the community in lively discussions pertinent to the study of the African Diaspora and related subjects. These events have included hosting the 8th Annual African Americans in Western North Carolina & Southern Appalachia Conference, a symposium focused on supporting positive outcomes for Black youth, and many more.

See our upcoming events to stay abreast of opportunities to meaningfully engage with Africana Studies.

Faculty

Get to know the accomplished and passionate faculty members who guide and inspire Africana Studies students. Learn about their research interests, teaching philosophies, and the wealth of expertise they bring to the UNC Asheville academic community.

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Tiece Ruffin, Ph.D.

Chair of Education, Director of Africana Studies, and Professor of Africana Studies & Education

Office: 109 Zageir Hall

Phone: (828) 250-2361

Email: truffin@unca.edu

Agya Boakye-Boaten, Ph.D.

Professor of Africana Studies and Interdisciplinary, International Programs; Dean of Social Sciences

Office: 216 C Zageir Hall

Phone: (828) 350-4564

Email: aboaten@unca.edu

Emily Herzog

Administrative Assistant

Office: 205 Zeis Hall

Email: eherzog@unca.edu

Jeremias Zunguze, Ph.D.

LA 378 Coordinator and Associate Professor of Africana & Lusophone Studies

Office: 215 Zeis Hall

Phone: (828) 250-3972

Email: jzunguze@unca.edu

Abena Boakyewa-Ansah, Ph.D.

University Fellow

Sarah Judson, Ph.D.

Chair and Professor of History

Office: 203 Whitesides Hall

Phone: (828) 250-6297

Email: sjudson@unca.edu

Africana Studies Careers & Outcomes

With an interdisciplinary studies bachelor’s degree and a minor in Africana Studies, students prepare for a variety of purposeful career paths. Graduates bring strengths in critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and communication, making them excellent candidates for professions ranging from academia and research to community development, advocacy, and beyond.

The Africana Studies minor from UNC Asheville equips students with the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in various professional fields. Our graduates also gain acceptance into well-respected graduate programs in African American studies or related disciplines.

Related Programs

Professor Boakye-Boaten giving a lecture to a room of students

Explore Cultures and Perspectives as an Africana Studies Minor at UNC Asheville

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with an Africana Studies minor allows you to embark on a transformative academic journey. As you experience our commitment to your personal and professional growth, we empower you to contribute to the global conversation on some of the most pressing issues related to Africa, the African Diaspora, and the interconnected communities that make up our world.

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Contact Us

Interdisciplinary Studies

Phone: 828.250.3955