vlog

Africana and Latin American Studies Program

Africana and Latin American Studies (ALST) is an interdisciplinary program studying the histories and cultures of African Americans and the peoples of Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Kezia Page, associate professor of English and Africana and Latin American studies, teaches a class in Lathrop Hall.
Kezia Page, associate professor of English and Africana and Latin American studies, teaches a class in Lathrop Hall.

Understanding the areas and peoples who comprise the rich, diverse Africana and Latin American cultures requires dedicated interdisciplinary and comparative study. The ALST program draws on knowledge and methods from disciplines as varied as political science and music to develop a deep understanding of these communities.

Courses in the program examine geographical regions individually and in the context of their shared interactions. Students are challenged to consider the heritage and ongoing influence of indigenous civilizations as well as changes introduced by outsiders.

The program’s courses and off-campus study groups explore the ongoing impacts of migration, imperialism, colonialism, racism, nationalism, and globalization on contemporary peoples. Students develop a comprehensive knowledge of peoples and their cultures and learn how to apply that understanding to ongoing efforts in policy and advocacy.

The program offers major and minor courses of study in African American and Latin American Studies:

Many of the program’s graduates go on to careers in policy, activism, academia, and government.

Learn About the ALST Program

Program Contacts

Director: Kezia Page
Community Program Coordinator: Pascal Dafinis
Office: 218 Alumni Hall
Phone: 315-228-7763

I became an ALST major because it was the first time that I was able to gain knowledge of my history and culture on an academic level. It has helped me to reconcile the multiplicity of my identity as an African-American of Jamaican descent.

Kadian Dixon ’18
vlog students take a tour of Moore Town, a maroon community village in the Portland Parish in Jamaica.
Off-Campus Study

Enrich your learning with off-campus study opportunities both abroad and in the United States.

Students in ALST204: Performing Bolivian Music, learn to play traditional Bolivian music, instructed by Professor Michelle Bigenho and Rolando Encinas.
Course Offerings

Learn about required courses for students majoring and minoring in the ALST program, as well as available elective courses.

Provost and Dean of the Faculty Tracey Hucks discusses a book with students.
Faculty and Staff

Meet the faculty and staff of the ALST program, and learn about their ongoing research and scholarship.

Students participate in the half-credit Model African Union course through the ALST program.
Model African Union

Participate in the Model African Union and travel to Washington, D.C., to engage in a model diplomatic summit with students from top American and international universities.

Cornel West gives a keynote address titled “Race Matters”
The Shirley Graham and W.E.B. DuBois Lecture Series

The Shirley Graham and W.E.B. DuBois Lecture Series brings nationally recognized speakers to campus to address issues of race, oppression, and resistance.

ALST students tour Moore Town, a maroon community village in Jamaica.
Africana and Latin American Studies Newsletter: The Point

Each semester, the ALST program publishes The Point, a newsletter  featuring articles from students, professors, and staff members about contemporary issues, new discoveries, and developments in the program.

Video Poster
Students in ALST204: Performing Bolivian Music, learn to play traditional Bolivian music, instructed by Professor Michelle Bigenho and Rolando Encinas.

ALST Program Events

Erick Exum ‘92 National Director of the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA). Kristine Michelsen-Correa ‘07. Creative Director and Founder of Paz Home.
Sep 14 4:15pm to 5:30pm