Black World Studies

Black World Studies deals with the integrity, continuity, and vitality of the international black experience. You'll learn different perspectives on the history and culture of Africa and its diasporas in Central, North, and South America as well as the Caribbean and elsewhere.

About the Major

OWU's Black World Studies Program is interdisciplinary in character, with its core curriculum involving educational approaches from political science, literature, sociology, anthropology, history, religion, art, psychology, and economics. You're encouraged to participate in fieldwork and internships, with study abroad opportunities available for you in Africa and the Caribbean.

We recognize how different areas of the black experience influence each other, so our program reflects that. Our courses show the connection between politics, the arts, geography, education, business, and other areas. With these classes, you will develop an awareness and appreciation of the social, political, and cultural diversity of the black world. You'll also be able to recognize, evaluate, and analyze the historic, artistic, scientific, and humanitarian contributions of Africans, individually and collectively, to the world.

Related Minors

Think Big

Undergraduate research, performed under the mentorship of expert faculty, is a central component of The OWU Connection.

We emphasize intellectual curiosity, creativity, initiative, and synthesis. OWU provides opportunities, including traveling abroad, for you to explore an existing problem or develop a totally new avenue of exploration. You can work with a faculty mentor and apply for grant funding—and present your research at the Spring Student Symposium.

Exploring Kenya

Amelia Thrasher '25 spent a summer in Kenya studying conservation and community attitudes.

Ethnobotony and Enslavement

Carly Sanders '24 traveled to Ghana with OWU professors to study local botanical medicine.

Mental Nourishment

Nuri Craig '25 traveled to Southern Africa for a Women's & Gender Studies health course.

Go Global

OWU Connection travel opportunities range from 1-2 weeks for a Travel-Learning Course to semester-long study abroad programs.

At OWU's semester-long Tanzania Program, you will encounter the political, economic, and social realities of life in 21st-century east Africa. You can conduct social research, travel in the country, and live in a home-stay experiences, learning a great deal about yourself and the country.

The program is affiliated with the University of Dar Es Salaam and is recommended for students interested in medical systems, the status of women, economic development, and social policy. All courses (except Swahili) are taught in English.

Study Abroad OWU in Tanzania Program

Afro-Centric Education

Emma Tarawally '20 explored the Afro-centric education model of Kwame Nkrumah Academy.

Semester in Tanzania

Abbi Turner '20 studied Swahili and African culture, and completed research in Tanzania.

Nation Building in Ghana

A TLC on nation-building in Ghana focused on economics, medicine, and history.

Highlights

Theory-to-Practice Grants

OWU students have earned competitive, University-funded Theory-to-Practice Grants to travel to Africa to study topics including the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in HIV/AIDS policymaking, British colonialism and the impact of post-colonialism in Zimbabwe, and African Christianity in Uganda.

House of Black Culture

Students may apply to live in the House of Black Culture, a themed house that creates a true understanding of African and African American culture and strong cohesiveness among the entire campus community.

Social Justice Study

In the Poverty, Equity, and Social Justice Course Connection, you can choose from 33 courses in 13 departments in four divisions, including Black World Studies, as you study local, national, and global issues related to poverty, equity, and social justice from multiple academic perspectives.

Graduate Outcomes

Paiton Walker '24

After graduating from OWU, Paiton works at a Columbus-based nonprofit, Families Flourish, as a professional in Donor Outreach. She focuses on community support, fundraising, and advancing economic equity.

Endless Possibilities

OWU graduates in Black World Studies work in a range of fields: in communications as journalists and public opinion analysts; in government in public affairs, community development, and as minority program coordinators; in education as teachers, counselors, and admissions officers; in business as cross-cultural communications specialists, marketing directors, and fund-raising directors. Some continue their education in graduate school in areas such as law, business, history, art, psychology, or medical school.

A Look at Black World Studies

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Culture Fest at OWU

Culture Fest at OWU
Tanzania

Tanzania

Tanzania

Tanzania

Program Contact Info

Location

Slocum Hall 338
Ohio Wesleyan University
Delaware, OH 43015
P 740-368-3833

Program Contact

Director: Randolph Quaye
Professor of Black World Studies
740-368-3833
rkquaye@owu.edu

Academic Assistant: Deborah Lovell
Elliott Hall 205 | 740-368-3906 | djlovell@owu.edu