African American Studies
Where history and culture meet the future
African American Studies as an academic discipline has roots in the late 19th/early 20th century, with Black scholars like W.E.B. DuBois, Carter G. Woodson, and Zora Neale Hurston and many others contributing to the study of Black people in America.
Lake Forest College’s Department of African American Studies is dedicated to engaging the experiences, histories, cultures, movements, and identities of African-descended peoples in the United States. Majors in this area will receive a well-rounded foundation in Black history, literature, philosophy, and politics, which allows students the flexibility to approach the subject from many perspectives.
Students graduating with a major in African American Studies may apply their critical skills and knowledge to a variety of careers.
A degree in African American studies encourages students to take on the world at large and effect tangible change through whatever career path they choose.
Graduates of the African American studies program have gone on to find placements in top graduate programs, engage with racial justice causes, and apply interdisciplinary knowledge to fulfilling careers.
Students are encouraged to critically examine people, social movements, and cultural artifacts from the Harlem Renaissance to hip hop, from Phillis Wheatley to Barack Obama, from Their Eyes Were Watching God to The Autobiography of Malcom x.
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African American Studies allows me to have an understanding of present economic, social, and political conditions, while providing me with the tools to see the world through various lenses.
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It is essential to be educated on the harsh realities of the history and current nature of this country.
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I never left an African American studies class without curiosity or more questions and a desire to learn more. It's infectious, and if you're willing to challenge your ways of thinking and open yourself up to knowledge, it'll be one of the best things you can do for yourself while at Lake Forest, and it will prepare you for life after that.
Zaria Sydnor ’20
What our students have to say
- “The department helped me see how my voice matters, even when other people tell you it doesn't. Majoring in African American studies helped me learn how to advocate for myself and vocalize when something isn't right and needs to be changed.” —Zaria Sydnor
- “The African American Studies minor allowed me to go into a classroom and learn more about my heritage and the extraordinary works of the African and African American people including: poetry, art, literature, and music.” —Alexus Edmonds
- “The African American Studies Program helped me to better understand myself and my role in society. Black culture is so rich and more people should be learning about it.” —Periana Wilson
- “No matter what you’re majoring in, you can better understand your field, and the world, by minoring in African American Studies.” —Julia Mikula
What Can You Do With an African American Studies Major?
This panel covers the breadth of careers a degree in African American studies makes accessible. Moderated by African American studies chair Dr. Courtney Joseph, this session connects viewers with three panelists who share their experiences with working in the field.
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Related Programs
Contact Us
Courtney Joseph
Assistant Professor of History and African American Studies
Chair of African American Studies
847-735-6184
cpjoseph@mx.lakeforest.edu
Karla Finley
Department Assistant
Durand Art Institute 212
finley@lakeforest.edu