Caribbean Studies Certificate

Caribbean Studies provides training in political, historical and cultural studies as it relates to islands in the English-, French-, Spanish- and Dutch- speaking Caribbean. Our courses are housed in the Africana Studies department which offers well-rounded, cross-listed and co-convened classes, relevant to the Caribbean experience. With guidance from knowledgeable faculty and staff, student success is ensured in both online and in-person classes.

This Certificate is designed for students and professionals interested in the Caribbean region and those who wish to combine their main area of study with an international specialization. All classroom instruction develops communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, so that students can maintain a competitive advantage in the global job market.

Moreover, according to the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), the Caribbean American community is estimated at near 10 million. See https://www.icsdc.org/history. Therefore, it is safe to say Caribbean culture plays a major role in American society including the workplace for managers, health care providers, lawyers, administrators, researchers, policy makers and teachers. 

Certificate's Requirements

The certificate in Caribbean Studies requires the completion of the following: 

(a) AFAS 285: Conceptualizing Caribbean Society 

(b) Three (3) Caribbean Studies electives or 9 units with at least 2 upper-division courses (codes 300 or 400)

Caribbean Studies Courses

• AFAS/ANTH 203 – Caribbean Transformations from “Cannibals” to Reggae
• AFAS/RELI 204 – African Diaspora Religion & Culture
• AFAS 223 – African Philosophical Worlds
• AFAS 285 – Conceptualizing Caribbean Society
• AFAS 297 – Caribbean Studies Writing Workshop
• AFAS 300 – Historical Overview of African & African Diaspora Cinema
• AFAS 302 – Africana Studies Research Approaches
• AFAS/LAS/GEOG 311B – Geography of Central America & the Caribbean
• AFAS/FREN 314 – Caribbean Literature & Culture
• AFAS 318 – Pan African Dance Aesthetics
• AFAS/LAS/POL 345 – Caribbean Politics
• AFAS/LAS/HIST 352 – Slavery in Latin America
• AFAS/FREN 374 – Dynamics of Protest in Africa & the Diaspora
• AFAS 386 – Soundtrack of the Caribbean
• AFAS/ENGL 423 – Topics in Caribbean Culture, Literature & Identity
• AFAS 485 – Exploring Caribbean Culture: A Study Abroad Experience
• AFAS 493-SA – Internship
• OR ANY Caribbean-themed course from another department with the CSc Coordinator’s approval

Caribbean Studies Team

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Dr. Bayo Igabemi’s educational and research experiences have prepared him for teaching socio-cultural anthropology across societies and cultures. His teaching methodology encourages active engagement with students and aims to set them on a path of self-discovery.

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Dr. Jennifer Donahue specializes in Caribbean literature with a focus on the relationship between narrative, trauma, and sexual politics. Her teaching and research interests include Caribbean and post-colonial literature, Anglophone African literature, and women’s and gender studies. 

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Dr. Nadia W-Charles pursues research on Caribbean consumerism, music scenes, nationalism and the politics of difference. Her approach to the classroom celebrates student curiosity and cultural analysis. 

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Mrs. Marcela Thompson has worked in the College of Humanities for 12 years. Her favorite part of the job is the people - the young energy of the students, all the faculty and members of the SILLC Business Team.

Declare Caribbean Studies Certificate

Let’s make it official! DECLARE your Certificate to receive UA recognition. 

Course Options 2026

Contact

Dr. Nadia W-Charles

Caribbean Studies Committee Coordinator

@uaafricana

nadiawc@arizona.edu

Mrs. Marcela Thompson

Administrative Assistant

(520) 621-1689

marcelathompson@arizona.edu