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Africana and Latin American Studies Program

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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
Off-Campus Study

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

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

Academic Program
Faculty and Staff

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

Faculty and Staff in Africana and Latin American Studies
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.

Model African Union
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 Lecture Series
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.

ALST Newsletter — The Point
Students in ALST204: Performing Bolivian Music, learn to play traditional Bolivian music, instructed by Professor Michelle Bigenho and Rolando Encinas.