The BA in Religious Studies and Africana Studies at Northeastern University offers you an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex interplay between faith traditions and the lived experiences of people of African descent. This combined major is ideal for students driven to explore how religion shapes culture, politics, and identity, while critically examining the historical and contemporary social, economic, and political realities of African Americans and global diasporic communities. You will delve into foundational courses and specialized electives, engaging with key concepts in religious praxis, ethics, and the diverse histories and systemic inequalities faced by Black populations.
You will pursue this undergraduate degree on campus, studying full-time over four years, with a curriculum designed to foster deep analytical skills. Your studies will involve exploring topics such as lived religion, race and religion in film, and the religious worlds of Boston, alongside core Africana Studies requirements focusing on history, gender, race, and inequality. Through rigorous coursework and engagement with primary and secondary sources, you will develop critical perspectives and research abilities. Graduates are prepared for advanced study or careers in fields like social justice advocacy, education, cultural institutions, and community organizing, equipped with a nuanced understanding of intersecting social and religious dynamics.