PrincetonUniversity
Class of 2004 Sophomore Academic Handbook

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Program in African Studies

Princeton's African studies program arose in the midst of the civil rights movement and reflected a growing American interest in the rich history and extraordinary cultural diversity of the African peoples. It continues to reflect these concerns. The courses sponsored by the program deal with the history, political development, economic activities, literature, and demography of Africans and expose students to most of the major regions and ethnic and linguistic groups of the entire African continent. Inevitably, courses are interdisciplinary; a student is expected to use all the tools of the humanities and social sciences to understand African civilizations.

The African studies program is not a major. Students enter the program through one of the many cooperating departments. They obtain a certificate by taking four regular lecture courses approved by the program director (two of which must be from a core list), completing the program seminar, and writing a senior thesis on an African topic. (The program seminar reflects the research and teaching interests of the faculty.)

The Program in African Studies strongly encourages students to study overseas at an African university. Princeton has established its own linkage with the University of Cape Town in order for Princeton students to study at one of South Africa's premier universities for a semester or a year. Of course, students may study at other African universities. The study abroad experience provides students with unique insights that complement their Princeton education.

Students enter the program for a mixture of motives. Some have been bitten by what we call the "Africa bug" and want to learn more about a new and exciting part of the world. They enter only with the goal of scholarly exploration. Others have more definite career plans. They are interested in the problems and prospects of the Third World, specifically Africa, and they hope to pursue work in government, business, and education in Africa. But whether the goal is particular or professional, the Program in African Studies has much to offer.

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