African-American Studies Program
African-American Studies is an interdisciplinary program that enables students to examine the culture of African-America (understood broadly as the cultural experience of all black Americans, and including the diasporic experience of the African peoples) through a variety of disciplines including literature, history, sociology, politics, critical race theory, art and music. This program began during the fall term of 2005. Each year we offer our introductory course, AfAM 130, An Introduction to African-American Studies, and the capstone course which is a supervised independent study project. Most of the other courses that count towards the minor in African-American Studies are taught in alternating years.
Each year, the Program brings major speakers in African-American Studies to our campus; sponsors multiple student and faculty events; and supports the university's efforts to offer a more diverse and rich curriculum that accurately reflects and represents America's cultural complexity. We invite all W&L students to experience our courses and to join us in our investigation of America's fundamental issues and triumphs.
For more information, please contact Professor Marc Conner of the English department.
News
Former University of Kansas Chancellor Robert Hemenway to Lecture on African-American Writer
Robert E. Hemenway, a distinguished scholar of African-American literature and the newly retired chancellor of the University of Kansas, will present a lecture, “Zora Neale Hurston: Jook Joints and Voodoo Tales,” on Monday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Room 214 of Washington and Lee University’s Science Center.
Emily Coyle '10 and Kevin Corn '10 Recognized by Celebrating Student Success
Washington and Lee seniors Emily F. Coyle and Kevin T. Corn were recognized at the January Celebrating Student Success (CSS) reception in the Elrod Commons.
Julian Bond Headlines Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at W&L
Julian Bond, chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1998, will present the keynote address for the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at Washington and Lee University on Sunday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m. in Lee Chapel.
Emory University Dean, Carolyn Denard, to Talk on Toni Morrison’s "Jazz"
Carolyn Denard, associate dean for undergraduate education at Emory University, will give a talk at Washington and Lee University on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. in Huntley Hall Room 327.