We are a vibrant community of scholars and students who examine the historical and contemporary experiences of people of African descent in the U.S. and throughout the world. Our interdisciplinary degree programs allow you to study a breadth of topics through the lens of Black experience and race.
Explore AAADSOur AAADS 50+1 anniversary celebration includes special lectures, workshops, events, and presentations throughout IU’s spring semester. The event series will culminate with an engaging 50+1 reception on Wednesday, April 20 at the IMU University Club and a major daylong symposium scheduled for Thursday, April 21 in the Gayle Karch Cook Center for Public Arts and Humanities.
Our undergraduate degrees allow you to pursue your interests and customize your academic experience. We offer several Master’s degrees, and are one of few departments in the country with a Ph.D. in African American studies.
Our courses explore a variety of fields including politics, art, culture, literature, sports, sociology, history, and more. Many of our classes examine topics relevant to the most crucial conversations in our society today. With our flexible degree options, you can choose the areas of interest you wish to study.
Our faculty represents a wide variety of interests and disciplines, spanning the social sciences and humanities. We create and share research that aids in the development and shaping of African American and African diaspora studies.
Meet our faculty Learn about our research + creative activity
The Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies (AAADS) makes, as its primary aim, the study and understanding of the historical and contemporary connections among African Americans, Africans, and other diasporic communities. Toward these ends, our department affirms the democratic tradition of equal opportunity for all by not tolerating any form of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class, and religious differences. The AAADS department also affirms an understanding of diverse cultures and communities in order to improve humanity.
We are teachers who value community and strive to make our department a warm, welcoming environment for our students. Small class sizes allow our faculty to spend more time mentoring and getting to know our students.
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