Multi- and inter-disciplinary in its approach, the African and Diaspora Studies program offers a wide range of courses relevant to an increasingly diverse world.

African and Diaspora Studies is the study, research, interpretation and dissemination of knowledge concerning African-American, African and Caribbean affairs and culture.

Why offer African and Diaspora Studies?

African and Diaspora Studies occupies a central role in understanding modern American life. It acknowledges that people of African descent have contributed significantly to the making of the United States and have played a vital role in world history and culture.

African and Diaspora Studies directly engages the issues of race and difference, pulling together courses that are relevant to an increasingly diverse world, a world within which our students need to know how to function.

Because African and Diaspora Studies embraces a wide spectrum of experiences and issues, the program is multi- and interdisciplinary in its approach. Students may choose courses among many disciplines, including English, history, sociology, music, religion, philosophy, political science, Spanish, and theatre and dance.

As a program which embodies the liberal arts mission, the primary objectives of the African and Diaspora Studies minor are to:

  • Foster interdisciplinary study in the humanities, arts and social sciences.
  • Stimulate students within a learning environment that encourages appreciation of the history and culture of African peoples.
  • Explore the diversity and range of thought in the African Diaspora.
  • Teach the economic, psychological and social situation of blacks past and present.

African and Diaspora Studies in the News:

  • Honoring Student Success: First-Ever Congratulatory Dinner Was a Resounding Success (published May 17, 2018)

  • International Impact: King Letsie III of Lesotho Arrives Today to Present Wittenberg Commencement Address, May 12 (published May 11, 2018)

  • Assignment of Fire: Criminal Justice Reform Advocate Bernadette Evans, Class of 1989, to Present Keynote Address During Wittenberg Series-Sponsored Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation (published January 8, 2018)

  • Be-Longing: New Book by Wittenberg Professor Examines Personal Journey (published August 11, 2017)

  • Touching Tiny Lives: Ali Kukovich ’17 Joins Non-Profit Dedicated to Helping Lesotho Children (published August 9, 2017)

  • Journey Fit for a King: Students Serving in Lesotho Receive Royal Welcome (published August 1, 2017)

  • Witt Series Welcomes Tillman: Civil Rights Activist Dorothy Tillman Headlines Wittenberg Series' Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation (published January 6, 2017)

  • Developing Relationships: Lesotho Nutrition Initiative (published November 8, 2016)

  • Lesotho Nutrition Initiative Partners with High Schools: Peace Corps-Inspired program Will Feed Thousands in South African Kingdom (published November 7, 2016)

  • Partnering With The Peace Corps: Mission-Driven Prep Program Challenges Students to Be Change-Makers (published July 27, 2016)

  • Meals For Orphans: Wittenberg Students Prepare Nutritional Meals to Malnourished Orphans in Lesotho (published November 12, 2015)

  • Honorary Consul to Lesotho: Wittenberg Professor Scott Rosenberg Appointed Honorary Consul for the Kingdom Of Lesotho (published October 21, 2014)

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