Course Overview

The African and African American Studies program at Harvard University offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the histories, cultures, and contemporary issues of African and African American communities. The program aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the social, political, and cultural dynamics that shape these communities, both in the United States and globally. Unique features include a focus on critical theory, historical analysis, and engagement with current social justice issues.

Career Prospects

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in academia, public policy, education, non-profit organizations, and cultural advocacy. The skills developed through this program, including critical thinking and research, are highly transferable across various sectors.

Key Faculty and Staff

The department is home to distinguished scholars such as Henry Louis Gates Jr., a renowned expert in African American literature and history, who serves as the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and Director of the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research.

Unique Facilities and Partnerships

Students have access to the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research, which hosts significant archives, research initiatives, and public events. The program also benefits from partnerships with various cultural and academic institutions focused on African and diasporic studies.