Overview

The English- Africana Literatures and Culture B.A. at the University of Pennsylvania offers an intellectually rigorous exploration of the massive dispersal and displacement that characterise New World Slavery and its legacies. Students engage with a vibrant spectrum of literature, spanning from early slave narratives and sermons to the works of contemporary Nobel Laureates. This concentration highlights the fundamental belief that literacy is a cornerstone of freedom and intellectual resistance.

The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in both African American and African literatures. Participants study with a diverse group of scholars whose expertise includes feminist theory, the poetics of hip-hop, and the literature of the African diaspora.

Why English- Africana Literatures and Culture at the University of Pennsylvania?

The University of Pennsylvania provides a unique environment for studying Africana literatures, supported by a faculty of leading experts in the field. The programme is grounded in a tradition that counters historical claims of intellectual inferiority through rigorous academic inquiry. Students benefit from a curriculum that bridges the gap between historical testimonials and modern literary criticism, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on the global black experience.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 63204 per year
National fee: USD 63204 per year
Local fee: USD 63204 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The major requires a minimum of 33 course units, including foundational approaches and specialised seminars. Modules may include:

Theory & Poetics
Difference and Diaspora
Medieval/Renaissance
Literature of the Long 18th Century
19th Century Literature
20th-21st Century Literature
Literature Before 1700
Literature Before 1900
The One Series

Careers with English- Africana Literatures and Culture

Graduates from this programme are equipped with advanced critical thinking, research, and communication skills essential for various professional paths. The deep engagement with complex cultural narratives prepares students for roles in education, journalism, and social advocacy. Many alumni also pursue further academic study or careers in law and public policy, leveraging their expertise in literary analysis and cultural history.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Theory & Poetics

Difference and Diaspora

Medieval/Renaissance

Literature of the Long 18th C (ca. 1660-1832)

19th Century Literature

20th Century Literature

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Philadelphia, United States

Disciplines

Language Studies Literature View 1010 other Bachelors in Literature in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Common Application or Coalition Application & Penn-specific Essay

Official High School Transcript

School Report

Counselor Recommendation

Academic Teacher Evaluations (2)

Early Decision Agreement (only if applying for Early Decision)

Mid-Year Report

Final Report

SAT or ACT

English language proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

63204 USD / year

≈ 63204 USD / year
Out-of-State

63204 USD / year

≈ 63204 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

63204 USD / year

≈ 63204 USD / year

Living costs

Philadelphia

United States

1313 - 2284 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for English- Africana Literatures and Culture.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Philadelphia

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners