There are several reasons. One of the most obvious is the most pressing problem
facing the United States today – what W.E.B. Dubois calls the "Color line."
More than 30 million African Americans live in the United States today, and
African Americans have been present in the United States for almost 400 years.
Yet very little is known about the African American heritage and culture, even
by African Americans. Secondly, to be able to undertake any kind of meaningful
study or contribution toward African American people, be it in psychology, history,
sociology, geography, English, philosophy or religion, it is highly imperative
that you have a strong background in African American Studies.
Why should I take African American Studies at Eastern?
The African American Studies program is committed to educating students on the
subject of African life and culture, both on the continent and in the Diaspora. The
African American Studies Program at Eastern Illinois University remains one of the
most unique and popular programs for undergraduate and graduate study, not just in
Illinois, but nationally.
Unlike most other programs, our courses place the study of African Americans at
the center of academic inquest, not as objects or sidekicks. Students within this
program receive a coherent body of knowledge within African American Studies.
Students enrolling in Eastern's African American Studies Program will have opportunities
to study abroad, partake in professional internships, participate in national conferences
hosted by the program, meet nationally recognized scholars and receive assistance with professional
career options, as well as preparation for professional and graduate school.
