The Critical Race, Gender, and Culture Studies Collaborative (CRGC) is a vibrant and inclusive community of faculty and students that explores diverse voices, histories, and experiences through socially engaged scholarship.

The collaborative houses six interdisciplinary programs that offer bachelor's degrees, minors, and certificates:

African American and African Diaspora Studies

(major, minor)

American Studies

(major, minor)

Arab World Studies

(major, minor, undergraduate certificate)

Asian Studies

(major, minor, undergraduate certificate, graduate certificate)

Multi-Ethnic Studies

(minor, undergraduate certificate)

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

(major, minor, undergraduate certificates, graduate certificate)

Our courses discuss race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, culture, religion, and more from a critical perspective. We encourage our students to research complex problems and explore interdisciplinary interests.

Collaborative faculty members are distinguished teachers and researchers from a number of departments in the College of Arts and Sciences, and from other schools at the university. Our professors work closely with DC community leaders and institutions to bring real-world learning experiences into the classroom. Many of our students complement coursework with internship and employment opportunities in DC's political, social, and cultural institutions, and some students study abroad to gain an international perspective on their areas of interest.

Our flexible curriculum teaches students to become critical thinkers, innovative researchers, and skilled communicators. Our alumni enter the workforce with a social awareness that serves them well in the increasingly diversified workplaces of our globalized economy. In gaining a deeper understanding of their world and themselves, our students are prepared for a wide range of careers in communications, education, the arts, the non-profit sector, and government and public policy agencies.

Events at AU

February 27

An Evening with BOOMscat

Join the CRGC Studies Collaborative and African American and African Diaspora Studies in welcoming BOOMscat, Washington DC's up and coming music legend! 

The Peace & Body Roll Duo BOOMscat, Washington, DC based, consists of keyboardist/drummer/producer, Asha Santee (BOOM), and vocalist/songwriter Jennifer Patience Rowe (scat). The mind requires emotional meditation. BOOMscat is the method. Press play.

Wednesday February 27th, 7:30 - 9 PM, in the Katzen Welcome Center Auditorium (2nd floor) 

March 4

Black Feminism & Marriage Abolition 

42nd Annual McDowell Conference Lecture by Dr. Anika Simpson

Monday March 4th, 5:30 - 7:30  pm, Letts Formal Lounge

March 4

What's Radical About Jewish Feminism? 

The event is based on Prof. Joyce Antler’s 2018 book Jewish Radical Feminism: Voices from the Women’s Liberation movement. We’re having an exciting panel of speakers, including Pamela Nadell, Joyce Antler, and two of the  women featured in Dr. Antler’s book Radical Jewish Women: Heather Booth and Evelyn Torton Beck. Professor Lauren Strauss will serve as moderator. 

Monday March 4th, 7:30 - 9 pm, SIS Founder's Room

March 6

What's the feminist frequency? with Anita Sarkeesian

Co-sponsored by Anthropology, CAS Dean's Office, SOC, OCL, Game Lab, Sociology, & the Humanities Lab

Wednesday 6th, 6 pm, MGC 3-5

March 26

The Truth about Awiti with CP Patrick

A reading by the Managing Director of The Antiracist Research & Policy Center from her novel. 

Tuesday March 26th,  7:30 - 8:30 pm, MGC 200 Gianni Lounge

March 28

Unacknowledged Echoes of Black Women: Disrupting Sexual Violence

A panel from Women's Gender & Sexuality Studies. Survivor-Advocates will share their collective expertise and intersectional field work to disrupt sexual violence, shift rape culture, and heal our communities. Panelists include Alicia Sanchez Gill, Executive Director, Collective Action for Safe Spaces; Indira Henard, Executive Director, DC Rape Crisis Center;  Aishah Shahidah Simmons Creator of NO! The Rape Documentary & the LoveWITHAccountability Project. 

Thursday March 28th,  2:30 - 4:30 pm, Kay Spiritual Center Lounge

April 10

Disability, Access, & Teaching: A One-Day Symposium

proposals due 15 February!

Wednesday, April 10th, details forthcoming. Event will be held at American University