Professor: Yvonne Captain
Department: RGSLL
Title: ” ‘African’ Surnames in the Americas”
Description: The project concerns research on families with last names that
date from trans-Atlantic slavery and carry on until the present day in both
the United States and in Latin America. Family Names like Senegal, Congo,
Africano, and Angola are far more common than most people assume. Through
personal interviews, data collection in various sources, information on the
families is garnered. A series of questions are communicated, typically in
person, to each of the interviewees in order to see what the Brazilian,
Colombian, and U.S. families have in common as we draw conclusions related to
the African Diaspora.
Duties: The 1st student will input raw data as it already exists into the
database, and if there is time, will help the professor with research that
contributes to further data. Student will also help maintain contact with
the professor’s co-investigator colleagues in Brazil and Colombia.
The 2nd student will aid in analyzing Excel queries that are already set up
by the professor and that will be further enhanced by student #1. Some
knowledge of databases beyond beginning status-or the willingness to
learn is best for student #2
While no knowledge of the Spanish or Portuguese languages is necessary, it
does not hurt!
If either student prefers to work on a non-credit basis, we can consult with
the Honors Program to see what the best option is.
Time commitment: 7-9 hours per week (average)
Credit hour option*: 3
Submit Cover Letter/Resume to: ycaptain@gwu.edu
*If credit is sought, all registration deadlines and requirements must be
met. Students selected to be research assistants should contact Brianna
Crayton (bcrayton@gwu.edu) whether they intend to pursue credit or not.
