Undergraduate Programs

Why Choose African Studies?  

African studies is not only a way to understand Africa, it is a way to expand your understanding of the world and its histories. Our program focuses on the study and analysis of sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and the wider African diaspora. An African studies minor enriches your understanding of the social, economic, cultural, historical, linguistic, geopolitical, ecological, and biomedical factors that shape African societies.

hist-melissa-graboyes-class

Minor in African Studies

Interested in exploring Africa’s diversity and and analyzing the issues of contemporary life on the continent? In interdisciplinary courses taught by professors from a wide range of departments, you can study the geopolitical factors that shape African societies while learning Swahili, Arabic, Portuguese, or French—or travel back in time to discover ancient Egypt and West African kingdoms.

Minor Requirements 


Learn an African Language

Develop your skills in an African language spoken by millions of people around the globe. Students in the African Studies program can take three years of Arabic or Swahili language courses and earn credits toward their minor.

African Languages


Students at a clinic in Accra

Get Real-World Experience

Deepen your understanding of African societies by studying in another part of the world, develop vital job skills in a global internship, or share your passion for African studies by raising community awareness of African culture.

Experiential Learning

An archway in Ghana

What You Can Do with an African Studies Degree

An African studies minor can prepare you to work in many fields. Learn about possible careers and hear from alumni.

Explore Careers


Advising and Academic Support

Schedule an appointment with an advisor and get your questions answered.

Departmental Advising and Support

Scholarships and Awards

Learn about ways to apply for funding to support your studies.

Explore Scholarships and Awards


Events

gradCONNECT: Trip to the Coast
May31
gradCONNECT: Trip to the Coast May 31 Oregon Coast
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
May31
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE May 31 Miller Theatre Complex
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Jun1
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Jun 1 Miller Theatre Complex
Intermediate French classes e-Portfolios showcase
Jun2
Intermediate French classes e-Portfolios showcase Jun 2 Dream Lab
Physical Chemistry Seminar – Following and controlling nanoscale formation and function of bottom-up assembled materials
Jun2
Physical Chemistry Seminar – Following and controlling nanoscale formation and function of bottom-up assembled materials Jun 2 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Jun3
Department of History Coffee Hour Jun 3 McKenzie Hall
Dept. of History Seminar Series: “Public Housing in Postwar Japan, 1945-1960"
Jun3
Dept. of History Seminar Series: “Public Housing in Postwar Japan, 1945-1960" Jun 3 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Dept. of History Presents: “Trump’s First 100 Days: Now and Then”
Jun4
Dept. of History Presents: “Trump’s First 100 Days: Now and Then” Jun 4 McKenzie Hall
Wine Chat: "The Revolution Will Be a Poetic Act"
Jun4
Wine Chat: "The Revolution Will Be a Poetic Act" Jun 4 Capitello Wines
Writing Lab Drop-In Workshop: Final Touches
Jun5
Writing Lab Drop-In Workshop: Final Touches Jun 5 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall