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African Studies Majors and Minors
The African studies program seeks to stimulate and enhance a comprehensive knowledge of historical and contemporary issues of the African continent. To this end, the program comprises a multidisciplinary curriculum, research, special performances and lectures. St. Lawrence maintains a study abroad program in Kenya and offers undergraduate scholarships and a teaching fellowship for graduate training in education to students from Kenya.
The African studies program offers a minor and combined majors with anthropology, economics, government and history.
Courses in African studies also support the University's Kenya Semester Program. Students interested in applying for this program should plan to complete an introductory course in African studies (AFS 101 or 102 are especially recommended) before applying. Interested students should discuss their academic plans with the coordinator as well as with the office of international studies. Most students who complete the Kenya Semester Program can readily complete a combined major or minor in African studies and are encouraged to do so; participation in this program is not required, however, for the combined major or minor.
For more information on the Kenya Semester Program visit the Web site at www.stlawu.edu/ciis/html/off_campus/kenya/
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 peoples and societies; and to nurture the capacity for interdisciplinary problem-solving approaches to questions and for independent research. Issues addressed include environmental change, economic growth with equity, development of participatory government and a strong civil society, the relationship between indigenous and non-African cultures and Diaspora studies. Background in African studies helps prepare students for graduate work in this interdisciplinary field or in international relations, for careers in international development and business, or for work in the Peace Corps and other service opportunities.
The minor consists of six African studies courses, and the combined major consists of five plus requirements from cooperating departments. Students are strongly encouraged to begin with either AFS 101 or 102. They must select courses from a range of disciplines in order to ensure exposure to diverse issues and approaches. Students are required to complete a capstone course; AFS 402 (Seminar on African Development) is specially designed for this purpose. With permission from an African studies faculty member, students may instead design an interdisciplinary independent project to complete the minor; proposals must be approved by the African studies advisory board. On occasion, faculty members in African studies will offer 400-level courses in their home departments that may qualify as capstone courses for African studies. All students must have their program of study certified by the coordinator for African studies and should confirm with the coordinator at early stages that their courses represent an appropriate range and diversity. Students interested in a combined major should also consult with appropriate department chairs.
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