About the African Studies Program
Brief Overview:
The Program was established in 2001 to support and coordinate the interdisciplinary teaching and research of Africa as an area of concentration for students and faculty at the university. The program is devoted to teaching and research on African issues, outreach activities serving schools and colleges in the Pittsburgh area, the business community, the churches and the general public. Outreach activities range from in-service seminars for teachers in schools to traveling seminars for United States faculty in Africa, and Africa awareness seminars in schools and communities.
The program offers both the Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates designed for students interested in learning more about Africa and expanding their knowledge and understanding of an area of the world whose increasing importance cannot be overemphasized. The courses of study provide students with the opportunity to widen their perspectives and understanding of Africa’s social, political and economic systems and deepen their insights into the profound impact of African societies on many countries in Europe and America. Students are also presented with an opportunity for in-depth study in specific areas of their professional and research interests and are encouraged to explore the numerous programs available for studying abroad in an African country. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive the graduate or undergraduate certificate in African Studies which will also be posted on their respective academic transcript.
The Mission:
The Program promotes the interdisciplinary study and research of Africa as an area of concentration for students and faculty interested in African affairs and the African experience. This is in strong support of the University Center for International Studies’ mission to integrate and reinforce all the strands of international scholarship in the University through research, teaching, outreach and public service. African Studies coordinates both the undergraduate and graduate certificate programs designed to provide students with opportunities to expand and widen their knowledge of Africa as a world region, and foster a greater understanding of the forces that shape the extremely diverse and richly endowed continent. The program also serves the wider Pittsburgh community through outreach activities to schools, church communities, private businesses and non-profit organizations to meet their needs as they seek to engage with the continent. African language training and the coordination of country-and region-specific seminars on contemporary topics are also key components of the Program’s efforts to meet the demands of individuals and institutions seeking to expand their engagement with the continent of Africa.
We draw on Faculty core strengths to build and engage in specific program goals:
- Research anchored in the sustainable development themes of poverty, health and conflict
- Teaching a varied selection of interdisciplinary courses about Africa for undergraduate students, and specific themed courses for graduate students
- Study Abroad programs in Africa for students have been developed through the study abroad office.
- We continue to pursue institutional partnerships and exchanges that enrich faculty and student participation in research and study
African Studies Newsletter
The program publishes an annual newsletter to disseminate information and keep our students, faculty and the general public informed about what we are doing. It is our tool for communicating and engaging everyone interested in African Studies and strengthening their loyalty and commitment.