Thesis-based Track

The main goal of this track is to ensure that the theoretical, methodological, and functional dimensions of the degree will complement one another and thus, increase the students’ preparedness to tackle a diverse range of issues that affect the lives and experiences of the African world, particularly the African Diaspora. The ultimate goal is to help promote democratic, pluralistic, and multicultural approaches to phenomena in contemporary society.

The track encompasses a composite knowledge of African peoples’ historical and contemporary experiences and the discipline of Africology in relation to other areas in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This is an intensive academic, writing, and researching track aimed at students’ acquisition of (1) a deep insight into the particular nature of the African American and African experiences and (2) knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the advancement of conversations about the African and African diasporic experiences, both historically and contemporarily. Coursework and guided research will be developed and assessed in accord with both prescribed departmental standards and applicable standards of the Graduate School.