Research

The Department of Africana Studies boasts of a robust program of academic research.  Our faculty are involved in collaborative work and individual writing and research.  As a discipline, Africana Studies embodies a wide methodological lens and welcomes varied and creative forms of research.  Among the faculty in our department are social scientists, community based researchers, theologians, writers, anthropologists. Each faculty member carries out an independent research agenda and welcomes the possibility of research assistants. Below you'll find a list of our core faculty and their current areas of research interest.  Feel free to reach out to any one of them to discuss their work and possible collaborations. 

Faculty Research Interests

Scott Barton: Culinary history, identity politics, cultural heritage, women's labor and knowledge

Bernard Forjwuor: Critical race theory, African political thought, black political thought, racial politics, racial capitalism

Maria McKenna: Youth empowerment, qualitative & community based research methods, urban education, Montessori

Ernest Morrell: Critical Pedagogy, English Education, Literacy Studies, Postcolonial Studies, & Diaspora Cultural Studies

Chanté Mouton Kinyon: African American Literature, 20th Century Irish Literature, Crime Fiction, Queer Literature, Transnational Literature

Rev. Paulinus Odozor: Moral theology, African Theology, Christian ethics, world religions and world church

Rev. Hugh Page: Hebrew scriptures, biblical studies, Christianity, Judaism in Antiquity

Dianne Pinderhughes: Racial, ethnic and gender politics and public policy in the Americas,  American civil society institutions in the 20th century, voting rights policy

Mark Sanders: African American and Afro-Latin American literature and culture

Zachary Sell: History of slavery, colonialism and capitalism in the 19th century

Africana Studies faculty work closely with students to navigate the research process. The Flatley Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement is one of Notre Dame's primary vehicles for supporting undergraduate research.  CUSE assists with planning, design, funding, and presentation of original student research.

Outreach

Africana studies at the University of Notre Dame centers on Africans and the African Diaspora—the global dispersion of peoples of African descent—and examines their historical, sociological, political, and economic contexts around the world. Our teaching and research covers a wide range of topics including civil rights issues, justice, liberties, social rights, the dignity of the human person, and the Catholic Social Tradition.

In an effort to engage all members of our community—faculty, staff, students, and local citizens—in these important conversations, the department hosts and co-sponsors a wide array of events, from lectures and reading groups to panel discussions and arts events.

We invite you to explore our upcoming events and read the latest news about our faculty and students.