University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

African and African Diaspora Studies, MA

This interdisciplinary program is designed to give graduates an understanding of the African and African diasporic experiences in both local and global contexts and incorporate culturally distinct perspectives in analysis of social and cultural phenomena. Upon completion of the program graduates will be able to analyze and compare knowledge systems and practices within African and African diasporic populations. MA graduates will gain skills in critiquing policies with respect to impacts upon communities of African descent both currently and in historical contexts. The MA will teach students to reflect upon and apply awareness of African and African diasporic experiences and theory to individual professional practices, communications, and interactions. Furthermore, MA graduates will gain quantitative and qualitative methodological skills for identifying and examining challenges affecting people of African descent as well as strengths and resources within African and African diasporic communities. Finally, students will utilize theoretical frameworks from Black Studies to design research-based strategies, programs, and recommendations to address challenges affecting people of African descent.