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.

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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

Book Talk by Professor Ryan Topper, African Studies Lecture Series
Feb9
Book Talk by Professor Ryan Topper, African Studies Lecture Series Feb 9 Gerlinger Hall
Eugene History Pub Lecture Series: 'The Indians Are a Nation':  Indigenous Self-Determination in Early Twentieth Century California
Feb9
Eugene History Pub Lecture Series: 'The Indians Are a Nation':  Indigenous Self-Determination in Early Twentieth Century California Feb 9 Whirled Pies
Department of History Coffee Hour
Feb10
Department of History Coffee Hour Feb 10 McKenzie Hall
Anthropology in Barbados Information Session
Feb10
Anthropology in Barbados Information Session Feb 10 Condon Hall
Food, Media, and Tourism in Italy and Spain Info Session
Feb10
Food, Media, and Tourism in Italy and Spain Info Session Feb 10 Anstett Hall
WGSS Presents: “Insurance, Racial Infrastructure and the Financialization of Domestic Life”
Feb10
WGSS Presents: “Insurance, Racial Infrastructure and the Financialization of Domestic Life” Feb 10 Knight Library
NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time
Feb11
NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time Feb 11
Explore Careers in Tech (Fair)
Feb11
Explore Careers in Tech (Fair) Feb 11 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Creative Writing Reading Series Presents: Stephanie Reents
Feb11
Creative Writing Reading Series Presents: Stephanie Reents Feb 11 Knight Library
Filmlandia Screening Series: Short Film Program
Feb11
Filmlandia Screening Series: Short Film Program Feb 11 Villard Hall