African Studies

The African Studies Center is devoted to the study of African culture, both past and present, from a growing variety of perspectives and disciplines. Students may pursue Africanist training through history, language, politics, religion and other liberal arts and social science courses. Geographically, these courses span the continent and extend beyond it into the various African diasporas. Theoretically and methodologically, they involve comparative, interdisciplinary study of African peoples and institutions.

Students interested in obtaining a Graduate Certificate in African Studies need to complete:

A minimum of five (5) Africa-focused courses. They can pursue tracks in the humanities, development studies, social sciences, or an agreed-upon combination track. Any graduate course with an Africa focus can be considered for the certificate, after consultation with a faculty advisor.

In addition, all students are required to take the interdisciplinary African Studies Seminar (AFST 701), offered each spring.

Available only to MA and PhD students enrolled at Penn.

Students interested in obtaining a Certificate should contact the Center's Program coordinator Faye Patterson.