Why take Black and African Diaspora Studies at Dal?
Explore the dynamic history and cultures of Black Canadian and African peoples
For more than four centuries, individuals of African descent have maintained a significant presence within Canada. The intricate and impactful narratives of Black Canadians, encompassing experiences of oppression and racial injustice, yet intertwined with narratives of resilience and empowerment, have frequently been overlooked. Through the lens of Black and African Diaspora Studies, you will embark on an exploration of the historical, societal, and cultural dimensions of African Canadian life and the broader global Black world.
Degree overview
Undergraduate Degree (including honours): BA or BSc (second subject).A Minor is available to students in any degree program where they may declare a minor, including BACS, BA, BComm, BCD, BCS, BMgmt, BMus, BSc.
A Certificate is also available both to non-degree students and to students in any degree program where they may declare a certificate.
Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
Campus: Studley Campus, Halifax
Program Length: 4 years
Program Start: September and January
What will I learn?
You will discover, unearth, analyze, and commemorate the profound history, cultural expressions, and social dynamics of Black communities in Canada and across the global African diaspora. Your journey will involve tracing the historical trajectory from the earliest Black settlements in what is now known as Atlantic Canada, through the migrations to Central Canada, and farther west. You will also examine present-day challenges, subjecting entrenched structural and institutionalized racism to critical analysis. Elective courses encompass a diverse array of subjects, in realms such as Black literature, music, spirituality, and cultural manifestations within the various communities of the African diaspora, providing a comprehensive, well-rounded, and holistic perspective.
Sample courses:
- Introduction to African Canadian Studies
- African Nova Scotian History
- The Idea of Race in Philosophy, Literature and Art
- Research Methods in BAFD
- The History of Jazz
- African Intellectuals and the Modern Experience
- Centering Black Canadian Health
- Afrofuturism
- Slavery and Freedom in the Americas
Visit the Academic Calendar to view degree options and course details.
Careers and future study
With a degree in Black and African Diaspora Studies, and the ability to think critically and solve problems collaboratively, you will be positioned as a catalyst for meaningful change within your chosen career. As you contemplate your trajectory after completing the Black and African Diaspora Studies, the following career paths beckon (a few of which might necessitate further educational pursuits):
- Legal and Corporate Sectors
- Academia and Scholarly Research
- Medical and Healthcare Professions
- Social Work or Counseling
- Research Endeavors
- Program Coordination and Management
Your degree will empower you to pursue these paths and more, enabling you to effect positive shifts and contribute substantively to your chosen field.
Admission requirements
Undergraduate admission requirements vary based on your previous education and your intended program of study at Dalhousie. Learn about our admissions requirements, book a campus tour, or connect with an advisor if you have questions about your eligibility for admission.