The papers of Carleton T. Hodge focus largely on his three years as Associate Chairman of the Research Center for the Language Sciences and on his work as Editor-in-Chief of the African Series. The African Studies Program files begin chronologically where the RCLS files end. These papers do not reflect Hodge's teaching career in Linguistics or Anthropology, and the papers do not date back early enough to include files from the Intensive Language Training Center, which can be found in Archives Collection 38. The collection is arranged into three series: African Studies Program, Correspondence, and Research Center for the Language Sciences. Each series is arranged alphabetically and in reversed chronological order, following Hodge's original organization.

The first series in the collection is African Studies Program, 1966-1982. This series includes chronological and subject files. Files include reports and proposals, Title VI documents, bulletins concerning the development of an African Studies minor and degree, enrollment information for courses in African languages, language proficiency exams, and some student work in the Hausa language. African Studies Program pamphlets, bibliographies, newsletters, and staff and faculty directories are also included in this series.

The next and largest series in the collection is Correspondence, 1964-1983. Arranged in reverse chronological order, the largest files are those from 1970 and 1971. The correspondence includes letters and memos to and from Hodge and also some correspondence that was sent to Hodge as a copy. These files reflect Hodge's various and sometimes overlapping roles at Indiana University. A notable number of letters are requests for African Studies program information or inquiries about employment opportunities. Most of the correspondence is related to the Research Center for Language Sciences, including information on Hodge's resignation, and especially on the African Series. Of interest are the letters and memos regarding submitted manuscripts, reviews, and published works. Some letters discuss Hodge's own research and publications. There is also a restricted file containing letters of recommendation, dissertation committee correspondence, and search and screen committee correspondence.

The third series in the collection is Research Center for Language Sciences, 1986-1972. This series is arranged alphabetically by subject and consists primarily of administrative records. Of interest are the records that document the beginnings of the Center in 1967, the establishment of a visiting committee, and proposals for a research associate program.