The interdisciplinary Minor in African Studies provides students with an introduction to the complex historical, political, and social issues of the world’s second largest continent. Students gain an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of Africa as well as a capacity to examine it through different disciplines.
Students are encouraged to study abroad in Africa. The CSU system offers IP study abroad programs in Ghana at Legon University in Accra, through which students can fulfill many GE requirements as early as one’s sophomore year, and there are many other university-sponsored programs available across dozens of other countries on the continent. Contact Study Abroad for information about program options. Consult with the African Studies Coordinator about the transferability of coursework before departure.
Course Requirements for the Minor
The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this minor.
Language Competency
A minimum second-semester competency in an African language is required for the Minor in African Studies. Students can alternatively attain second-semester proficiency in a different language spoken by populations in African through study abroad, National Student Exchange (NSE), the National African Language Resource Center (NALRC), CSU Fully Online, internship opportunities, or other college-level offerings in-person or online. Examples of other African languages widely taught in the US and Europe include: Amharic, Bamana, Fula, Hausa, Igbo, Lingala, Swahili, Twi, Wolof, Xhosa, Yoruba, and Zulu. Consult with the African Studies Coordinator about pursuing African languages not offered at California State University, Chico.
