Our 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 integrated 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:

 

1. Research anchored in the sustainable development themes of poverty, health and conflict.

 

2. Teaching a varied selection of interdisciplinary courses about Africa for undergraduate students, and specific themed courses for graduate students

 

3. Study Abroad programs in Africa for students have been developed through the study abroad office.

 

4. We continue to pursue institutional partnerships and exchanges that enrich faculty and student participation in research and study.