African-American Studies

Departmental Information

Director
Prof. Steven Gregory
758 Schermerhorn Extension

Director of Undergraduate Studies
Farah J. Griffin
508b Philosophy Hall
854-6411

Assistant Director
Shawn Mendoza
758 Schermerhorn Ext.
854-8789

Administrative Assistant
Sharon Harris
758 Schermerhorn Ext.
854-7080

Institute for Research in African-American Studies
758 Schermerhorn Ext.
854-7080

Institute Homepage
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/iraas/

The Institute for Research in African-American Studies was established at Columbia in 1993, expanding the University’s commitment to this field of study. The African-American Studies curriculum explores the historical, cultural, social, and intellectual contours of the development of people of African descent. The curriculum enables students to master the basic foundations of interdisciplinary knowledge in the humanities and social sciences in the black American, Caribbean, and sub-Saharan experience. Courses examine the cultural character of the African diaspora; its social institutions and political movements; its diversity in thought, belief systems, and spiritual expressions; and the factors behind the continuing burden of racial inequality. During their junior and senior years of study, students will focus their research within a specific discipline or regional study relevant to the African diaspora. Students should consider a major in African-American studies if they are interested in careers where strong liberal arts preparation is needed, such as fields in the business, social service, or government sectors. Depending on one’s area of focus within the major, the African-American Studies Program can also prepare individuals for career fields like journalism, politics, public relations, and other lines of work that involve investigative skills and working with diverse groups. A major in African-American studies can also train students in graduate research skills and methods, such as archival research, and is very useful for individuals who are considering an advanced graduate degree such as the Ph.D.

The Institute for Research in African-American Studies sponsors research projects, colloquia, and academic conferences that are open to the Columbia community; students who major or concentrate in African-American studies will receive information about these and related events. African-American studies majors and concentrators may also use the independent study course offering to conduct research on one or more of these faculty-sponsored projects. The Institute is located in 758 Schermerhorn Extension. All inquiries concerning degree requirements should be forwarded to the director of undergraduate studies. Inquiries concerning course offerings and Institute-sponsored events should be forwarded to the assistant director.