African American & African Diaspora Studies - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Offered at IU Bloomington by College of Arts and Sciences

Offered on campus

The B.A. major in African American and African Diaspora Studies examines the experiences of people of African descent in the United States and throughout the world. As a humanistic discipline in the democratic tradition, African American and African Diaspora Studies dispels myths and exposes those attitudes that perpetuate racism in American life. Students in AAADS study art, literature, film, folklore, music, dance, history, institutions, communities, culture, stratification, movements, and identities. 

Liberal arts skills stressed in AAADS include critical thinking and experiential learning skills, creative writing, reflective critical reading and writing, ethical and moral reasoning, service learning, community service, intercultural competence, and social justice as civic duties of value, scholarship of engagement, and interdisciplinary analysis. The department also offers an AAADS interdepartmental major with English, history, religious studies, or sociology. 

Graduates from AAADS successfully pursue careers in academics, theatre and drama, music composition, information technology, law, engineering, education, journalism, criminal justice, creative writing, fundraising, politics, social work, business, community organizing, non-profits, healthcare, the legal profession, banking, and technology industries.

Interdepartmental major options

You can also earn one of our interdepartmental majors:

African American and African Diaspora Studies and Religious Studies is offered in association with the Department of Religious Studies. Read the major guide.

African American and African Diaspora Studies and English is offered in association with the Department of English. Read the major guide.

African American and African Diaspora Studies and History is offered in association with the Department of History. Read the major guide.

African American and African Diaspora Studies and Sociology is offered in association with the Department of Sociology. Read the major guide.