African American Studies: Applying Analytical Techniques to Study the African Diaspora
1. Introduction: applying analytical techniques to study the African Diaspora
African American Studies is an area of study that applies analytical techniques to understand the circumstances and experiences of all the major societies of the African Diaspora, but with a focus outside the American setting. The studies were established in the late 1960s in order to correct the Eurocentric bias of most curriculums and to challenge the barriers to black advancement in society. Early African American Studies programs were often multi-disciplinary in approach, incorporating disciplines such as history, sociology, economics, and political science. However, in recent years there has been a movement towards Trans or multi-disciplinary approaches, which view the African Diaspora as a whole and attempt to situate it within a global context.
2. Curriculums and challenges of African American Studies
Most African American Studies programs consist of three elements: research, teaching, and service. The research component is designed to produce new knowledge about the African Diaspora, while the teaching component is responsible for imparting this knowledge to students. The service component encompasses activities such as community outreach and engagement, which aim to improve the lives of people in the African Diaspora. Although African American Studies programs vary in their specific focus, they all share a commitment to social justice and equity.
The main challenges facing African American Studies programs are twofold. First, there is a lack of resources, both human and financial. Second, there is a lack of institutional support. Many African American Studies programs are housed within larger institutions such as universities or colleges, which often do not provide adequate resources or support. As a result, African American Studies programs are often understaffed and underfunded. Despite these challenges, African American Studies programs have made significant contributions to our understanding of the African Diaspora.
3. Righting Trans or multi-disciplinary approaches
In his essay “African Philosophy and the Study of Afro-American Literature”, Nigerian scholar Biodun Jeyifo argues that traditionalAfrican beliefs and values can provide a useful framework for understanding the experience of Africans in the Americas. Jeyifo contends that the name “African American” is itself a misnomer, as it suggests that Africans in America are somehow separate from Africans on the continent. Instead, Jeyifo argues that Africans in America should be viewed as part of a global community of people of African descent. This community includes people from countries as diverse as Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Nigeria, and South Africa. Jeyifo’s argument highlights the importance of transnational or multi-disciplinary approaches to the study of the African Diaspora. These approaches view the African Diaspora as a whole and attempt to situate it within a global context.
4. Irele’s “African Philosophy and the Study of Afro-American Literature”
In his essay “African Philosophy and the Study of Afro-American Literature”, Nigerian scholar Abiola Irele makes a case for situating Afro-American literature within an African intellectual tradition. Irele argues that traditionalAfrican beliefs and values can provide a useful framework for understanding Afro-American literature. He contends that many Afro-American writers have been influenced by traditionalAfrican beliefs and values, even if they are not consciously aware of it. Irele’s argument highlights the importance of transnational or multi-disciplinary approaches to the study of the African Diaspora. These approaches view the African Diaspora as a whole and attempt to situate it within a global context.
5. Traditional African beliefs and the name used for studies
Traditional African beliefs and values can provide a useful framework for understanding the experience of Africans in the Americas. The name “African American” is itself a misnomer, as it suggests that Africans in America are somehow separate from Africans on the continent. Instead, Africans in America should be viewed as part of a global community of people of African descent. This community includes people from countries as diverse as Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Nigeria, and South Africa.
6. Research on traditional African beliefs
There is a lack of research on traditional African beliefs and values, particularly in the English-speaking world. This is due in part to the fact that many traditionalAfrican belief systems were oral in nature and have only been documented in recent years. As a result, there is a need for more research on traditionalAfrican beliefs and values.
7. Conclusion: the future of African American Studies
African American Studies is an important area of study that has made significant contributions to our understanding of the African Diaspora. Despite the challenges it faces, African American Studies is likely to continue to grow in popularity in the coming years.