It is recommended to students planning a career in international business, law, health, development, or the foreign service. In general, a knowledge of Africa can help students both gain a better understanding of globalization processes and enhance their professional profile by giving them a specialization in an important and rapidly evolving area. The major and minor courses of study provide an understanding of the dynamics of African social, political and economic systems and insights into the profound impact of Africa on Europe, the Near East, and particularly the Americas and the Caribbean. The Major Program Minimum Requirement 12 c.u. 1. The requirement for a Major in African Studies is a pre-requisite of two semesters of an African language at the elementary level, to be taken before or at the time the student applies for the major.
Topics vary from year to year.
Students who demonstrate a proficiency level of an African language prior to declaring a major in African Studies will be excused from the pre-requisite, in the event they pass the exam at the elementary level. The Minor Program Minimun Requirement 6 c.u. 1. Topics vary from year to year. Only one Africa-related course will be allowed. The African Studies Center and the Penn Language Center offer a comprehensive program for African languages, overseen by an on site language coordinator.