Overview

Specialization in African studies is designed to foster knowledge about Africa through an organized plan of study; to promote understanding of the diversity of African people and societies; and to nurture the capacity for interdisciplinary problem-solving approaches to questions and for independent research. Issues addressed include the earliest biological and cultural origins of modern humanity, environmental change, economic growth with equity, development of participatory government and a strong civil society, the relationship between indigenous and non-African cultures, and African Diaspora studies. Background in African studies helps prepare students for graduate work in this interdisciplinary field or in international relations, for careers in government, international development and business, or for work in the Peace Corps and other service opportunities.

The Anthropology and African Studies program at St. Lawrence University offers a multidisciplinary curriculum leading to a minor or a number of combined majors. St. Lawrence also maintains a semester study program in Kenya, and offers a component of study in Africa as part of the program in France, and courses in Swahili taught by Kenyan scholars.

African Studies Learning Goals

• Students who have completed a minor and/or combined major in African Studies are expected to:

• Confront and move beyond their preconceptions about Africa, Africans and people of African descent.

• Develop a complex understanding of the diverse cultural, social, political, economic, and environmental spaces that constitute contemporary Africa.

• Understand historical processes that have shaped contemporary Africa and the active role that Africans have played in these processes.

• Recognize the participation of Africa in all significant global systems and respect African contributions to knowledge and creativity.

• Develop the ability to use an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Africa.