Does African / African American Anthropology exist?

Question

I am a recent graduate from a business school (double major Finance and Real Estate), now that the market has turned sour, I have decided to go back to school for something that I am passionate about. I have always been interested in African American History. I love reading about historical events, as well as trying to figure out why life is the way it is now based on historical events. Originally I was going to do American history with a concentration on the African Diaspora to learn more about how blacks have evolved internationally etc. But someone suggested Anthropology, where I could learn about people and how they were back in the day. From there, I could ponder why society is the way it is based on historical fact. Do you think schools will accept such a violent switch in focus from UG to grad? I am passionate about the topic, just not sure what I want to call my area of study. And for those who are concerned, no I dont know what I want to do with the degree, I just know that I love the topic. I encourage grad students of HBCU's to apply, cuz that is the type of school I want to go to.

Answer 1

As an old anthropology major myself, your question really interests me. I googled African-American anthropology and got a list of links. The first one isn't exactly about such a program, but it's so interesting, I want you to see it anyway: http://www.umich.edu/~newsinfo/MT/97/Fal...

To get back to answering your question, the main divisions of anthropology are culture, archaeology and biological anthro. Cultural anthro traditionally focuses on prehistoric cultures. Archaeology focuses on old & buried civilizations. Bioanthro focuses on man as a biological (animal) being (race being one of the topics here).

That said, anthro has been updating itself in recent decades. American pop culture can now be studied as anthropology, for example. Archaeology now includes more recent digs, such as those of American slave quarters.

I don't know if there are any programs that have courses or programs specifically on African-American anthropology, but here is a link to one inter-departmental program: http://www.clas.ufl.edu/afam/faculty.htm... (Scroll down the page to see that at least one professor combines African-American Studies and Anthropology.)

A book on the subject that might lead to where studies are being done: http://www.amazon.com/Root-Roots-Afro-Am...

I think you need to find grad programs that interest you and see what their entrance requirements are. They may or may not require previous study in the subject - each school and program is different. In any case, it might be a good idea to take one or two undergrad courses in the subject first (not necessarily freshman anthro - take the ones most relevant to you). It may be that a course or two will be enough for you, or they may suggest a direction for graduate study.

Answer 2

I'm sure Howard University has some real fine programs on what U R looking for.