1. Field-Specific Knowledge
Demonstrate an understanding about the rich complexities of social, political, economic, environmental, and cultural life among African, African American, and a variety of African diaspora peoples past and present, as well as the possible interrelations of peoples of African descent worldwide.
2. Conceptual Interdisciplinarity
Demonstrate the ability to interweave arguments from multiple disciplines in a meaningful way to address issues regarding African, African American, and/or diverse African diaspora peoples. This assumes an understanding of the seminal concepts, theories, major figures and authors that inform Africana Studies, as well as cognate and related interdisciplinary fields (Black, African, African American, and African Diaspora Studies).
3. Research Skills
Demonstrate an understanding of the major methodologies that inform Africana Studies.
- Methodological Interdisciplinarity
Demonstrate an understanding of the major methodologies of Africana Studies. - Basic Dimensions of Doing Research
Demonstrate intellectual curiosity in formulating a research question. Be able to locate and analyze primary sources, to locate and critically read and evaluate secondary sources, and to weave them into an argument. - Research Ethics
Apply ethical practices in research, including ethical obligations to research subjects and to the world of scholarship. - Linguistic Competence
Research skills may also include linguistic competence in languages needed for field, archival, and/or library research in Africana Studies.
4. Written and Oral Communication Skills
Communicate ideas well in written and oral form, appropriate for an academic setting, including proper citation, revision skills and responsiveness to constructive critique.
5. Engagement
Be able to critically assess public positions and understand scholars’ responses regarding central issues facing African, African American, and African Diaspora peoples, and peoples of African descent worldwide.