Undergraduate Programs

African Studies for Undergraduates

The African Studies Center offers many opportunities for undergraduates with an interest in the academic study of the African continent. Many courses with significant African content are taught across the curriculum at BU. For students who want an extensive focus on Africa, the African Studies Center offers two minors for undergraduates. Both summer and academic-year study abroad programs are available for undergraduates in Morocco, Niger, and Senegal. Undergraduates are encouraged to explore the African Studies Library on the sixth floor of Mugar Memorial Library. In addition, the ASC presents a number of lectures, films, and other events at which undergraduates are welcome.

Minor in African Studies

The Undergraduate Minor in African Studies allows students to study Africa across disciplines. The minor is open to all undergraduates who fulfill the following requirements:

• Six courses from three or more disciplines. Four of the six courses must be outside the student's major.
  
  
• CAS ID 116 is required of all students (students at an advanced level may petition to have this requirement waived).
  
  
• Three courses must be at 300 level or above.
  
  
• A senior pro-seminar or directed reading with completion of a paper is required.
  
  
• Students must receive a grade of C or better in all minor courses.
  

Minor in African Languages and Literature

The Undergraduate Minor in African Languages and Literature combines language and linguistic study with the study of written literature and oral traditions in the African context. In-depth knowledge of an African language of the student’s choosing is applied in courses in cultural and linguistic anthropology, sociology of language, language in government and education, literature, and folklore and oral traditions. Students who wish to receive a Minor in African Languages and Literature must complete the following requirements:

• Complete at least 6 African studies courses
  
  
• 4 of the 6 must be language courses from the African studies course offerings
  
  
• 2 courses on African literature
  
  
• Students must receive a grade of C or better in all minor courses
  
  
• The completion of a substantial paper on Africa
  
  
• Approval of the Director of the African Language Program and the student's faculty advisor
  

For further information about these minors, contact: Michael DiBlasi, African Studies Center, 232 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215; (617) 353-7306.