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 health of Africans and expose students to the continent’s environmental, biological, climatic, and geological diversity and dynamics. Inevitably, courses are interdisciplinary; a student is strongly encouraged to familiarize herself or himself with the theories, methods, and analytical tools from the humanities, social sciences, and life- and natural sciences.

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 the introductory core course on Africa (AFS 200), four courses approved by the program director (two of which must be from the core list and can include the program seminar), writing a senior thesis on an African topic, and participating in the senior colloquium where research in progress is presented to peers and groups of African studies 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. Princeton has recently established its own “Semester in the Field” program in Kenya. Each spring concentrators can take four courses, each three-weeks long, taught by Princeton faculty and Kenyan scholars, that cover scientific, engineering, and policy topics.

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 there. But whether the goal is particular or professional, the Program in African Studies has much to offer.