African-American studies refers to the study of the history, culture, and politics of Black Americans. This includes the study of African-American literature, history, politics, religion and religious studies, sociology, and many other humanities and social sciences. African-American history began to be considered by academics in the late 19th century (e.g. W. E. B. Du Bois). Academic pioneers included Carter G. Woodson, Herbert Aptheker, Melville Herskovits, and Lorenzo Dow Turner.