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

University Theatre presents: “The Moors”
Nov22
University Theatre presents: “The Moors” Nov 22 Miller Theatre Complex
University Theatre presents: “The Moors”
Nov23
University Theatre presents: “The Moors” Nov 23 Miller Theatre Complex
Department of History Coffee Hour
Nov25
Department of History Coffee Hour Nov 25 McKenzie Hall
Community Project Planning and Development Workshop: Community-Based Planning Tools
Nov25
Community Project Planning and Development Workshop: Community-Based Planning Tools Nov 25
Department of History Coffee Hour
Dec2
Department of History Coffee Hour Dec 2 McKenzie Hall
Panel Discussion: "Attention: Perspectives from Neuroscience, Art, and Literature"
Dec2
Panel Discussion: "Attention: Perspectives from Neuroscience, Art, and Literature" Dec 2 Knight Library
Community Project Planning and Development Workshop: Building a Project Steering Committee
Dec3
Community Project Planning and Development Workshop: Building a Project Steering Committee Dec 3
Ben Passmore, "Black Arms to Hold You Up"
Dec3
Ben Passmore, "Black Arms to Hold You Up" Dec 3 Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA)
Connect@UO Holiday Networking Night
Dec3
Connect@UO Holiday Networking Night Dec 3 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Geography Colloquium Series: “What We (Don’t) Talk About When We Talk About Science in Greenland"
Dec4
Geography Colloquium Series: “What We (Don’t) Talk About When We Talk About Science in Greenland" Dec 4 Condon Hall