African Studies Minor

The African studies minor immerses students in the diverse societies that make up Africa and its diasporas. In this interdisciplinary curriculum, students examine the intricacies of African societies and politics alongside topics that have shaped the modern world, such as human rights, decolonization, development, justice and sustainability. The minor helps students apply lessons from the region locally and globally.   

As an African studies minor, students learn the history, politics and economics of the continent and develop practical vocabulary in commonly spoken languages. Students also study African music and literature, public health, the environment and more. The minor makes an excellent addition to a primary area of study in languages and cultures, political science, law, pre-health, business or nonprofit administration and more. African studies is one of six interdisciplinary minors focused on international regions and global themes.  

Minor Requirements (18 Hours)

Additional Courses (9 Hours)

Course Title Credits
Select two courses from the following:6
International Development Economics
Francophone Literatures and Cultures
Source Materials for Geographic Instruction
Africa to 1800
Africa since 1800
Comparative Politics of Developing Countries
Nationalism and Ethnicity in World Politics
Elementary Swahili
Basic Proficiency in Swahili
Select one course from the following:3
Elementary Arabic
Basic Proficiency in Arabic
Intermediate Arabic
Intermediate Arabic
Selected Topics
International Development Economics
Francophone Literatures and Cultures
International Development and the Environment
Introduction to the Civilization of the Islamic Middle East
North Africa from Colonialism to Revolution: 1830-1962
The Contemporary Middle East and North Africa
Introduction to the Civilization of the Islamic Middle East
North Africa from Colonialism to Revolution: 1830-1962
The Contemporary Middle East and North Africa
Africa to 1800
Africa since 1800
Islamic Institutions and Traditions
Comparative Politics of Developing Countries
Nationalism and Ethnicity in World Politics
Economic Aspects of International Politics
Islamic Institutions and Traditions
Elementary Swahili
Basic Proficiency in Swahili
Total Credit Hours9

Core Courses (6 Hours)

Course Title Credits
Select two courses from the following:6
Introduction to African History
Geography of Sub-Saharan Africa
Cultures of Africa
Total Credit Hours6

Courses on North Africa and the Middle East (3-6 Hours)

Course Title Credits
Select two or three courses from the following:3-6
Elementary Arabic
Basic Proficiency in Arabic
Intermediate Arabic
Intermediate Arabic
Selected Topics
Introduction to the Civilization of the Islamic Middle East
North Africa from Colonialism to Revolution: 1830-1962
The Contemporary Middle East and North Africa
Islamic Institutions and Traditions
Islamic Institutions and Traditions
Total Credit Hours3-6

 Note: In addition, a student may petition the African Studies Program to apply special topic or independent study courses with substantial African content towards the minor.