Africana Studies at Bates
The Program in Africana Studies encompasses the study of world making in Africa and its global diaspora.
The study of Africana examines conceptualization of race and its use as a tool of critical analysis. We adopt a progressive approach to the understanding of people of African descent in the Atlantic world: Africa, the Americas — with special attention to the United States — and Europe, across multiple disciplines. Attention to the intersection of “race” with other social and political identities informs all aspects of the program.
Contact Us
Matt Von Vogt, Academic Administrative Assistant
4 Andrews RD
Pettengill Hall
Phone: 207-786-8296
mvonvogt@bates.edu
What You Will Learn
To understand the history and culture of African people and peoples of the African diaspora
The importance of “race” as a tool of critical analysis for a variety of topics
To engage in meaningful work experience through internships and community engagement activities
How to build your analytical prowess by examining complex experiences
To hone critical thinking and writing skills
How to foster engagement on matters of race within the larger community — local, national, and international
Life After Bates
After graduation, our students have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields, including research and teaching, policy, advocacy, and community work; law; cultural organization and curating; and digitization and management.
94%
of 2020-2024 Bates graduates are employed and/or attending graduate school — settled into their next opportunity within 6 months of graduation.
Selected Places of Employment/Service
- U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
- Weitzman Institute
- Blaze Yoga and Fitness
- Room to Grow
- Ananya Dance Theatre
- Vox Media
- Uncommon Schools
- PDC Inc.
- Barclays
Selected Graduate Schools
- George Washington University
- Northeastern University
- American University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Columbia University
- Georgetown University
- University of California, Berkeley
Why Study Africana at Bates?
The Africana program at Bates introduces students to the lived experiences of African people and people of African descent in different parts of the globe. This takes place across multiple subject areas, including history, literature, religion, politics, journalism, psychology, and sociology. All majors write a thesis on a topic of their choice, with personalized guidance and hands-on support from faculty.