Why major or minor in African Studies?
The African Studies Center at Penn is dedicated to providing undergraduate students with the tools necessary to succeed in an increasingly interdependent and complex world. The combination of comprehensive language training, challenging coursework, and summer and/or semester abroad opportunities in Africa provide the knowledge and skills necessary for our students to pursue specialized graduate training or seek full-time employment upon graduation. African Studies majors and minors have been accepted to study at the nation’s top graduate and professional programs, and find exciting professional opportunities in public service and the private sector. For more information about majoring or minoring in African Studies, call 215-898-6971 or email us at africa@sas.upenn.edu.
Major Requirements | APPLICATION FORM
The minimum requirement for the major is 12 c.u.:
1)Two semesters of an African language (Intermediate or Advanced Level, not including French or Portuguese) or the successful completion of a language proficiency exam. (2 c. u.)
2) Proseminar : AFST 190 “Introduction to Africa” (must be taken at Penn) taken no later than the junior year.(1 c.u.)
3) Eight African Studies courses with Africa content. (at least 5 must be taken at Penn), (8 c.u.)
- 6
courses must have 100% Africa
content
- 2 courses must have at least
25% Africa content
4) Senior thesis written on an Africa-related topic under the supervision of an African Studies faculty member. (1 c.u.)
Majors focus on one of two tracts: Social Science or Humanities: Social Science majors are required to take 6 courses in the social sciences and two in the humanities; Humanities majors are required to take 6 courses in the humanities and two in the social sciences.
Minor Requirements | APPLICATION FORM
The minimum requirement for the minor is 6 c.u.:
1) Proseminar : AFST 190 “Introduction to Africa” Must be taken at Penn no later than the junior year.(1 c.u.)
2) Five
African Studies courses
with Africa content (5 c.u.)
- Four courses must have 100%
Africa content (African language
courses at all levels included)
- One course must have at least
25% Africa content
- At least 3 courses must be taken
at Penn
3) Senior thesis (OPTIONAL) written on an Africa-related topic under the supervision of an African Studies faculty member. (1 c.u.)