Bachelor of Arts in African Studies
September 26, 2026 2026-09-26 9:29Bachelor of Arts in African Studies
An interdisciplinary program that examines the history, cultures, societies, political systems, economies, languages, religions, and global significance of Africa and its diverse peoples. Integrating perspectives from history, anthropology, political science, economics, sociology, geography, literature, international relations, environmental studies, and cultural studies, the program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of Africa's historical development and its growing influence within the international community.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in African Studies
US$ 7,360
3–4 Years — Traditional Learning Track
9–12 Months — Fast-Track Learning Program
3–4 Years
9–12 Months
3 Credit Hours
US$ 7,360
Examine Africa's History, Cultures, and Global Significance
An interdisciplinary program integrating perspectives from history, anthropology, political science, economics, sociology, geography, literature, international relations, environmental studies, and cultural studies.
The Bachelor of Arts in African Studies is an interdisciplinary program that examines the history, cultures, societies, political systems, economies, languages, religions, and global significance of Africa and its diverse peoples. Integrating perspectives from history, anthropology, political science, economics, sociology, geography, literature, international relations, environmental studies, and cultural studies, the program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of Africa's historical development and its growing influence within the international community.
Students explore Africa's diverse civilizations, governance systems, economic development, regional integration, environmental sustainability, international diplomacy, public policy, conflict resolution, migration, public health, and cultural heritage while developing advanced analytical, research, communication, intercultural, and leadership skills. Through interdisciplinary scholarship and critical inquiry, graduates gain a balanced understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing African nations in an increasingly interconnected world.
The program prepares graduates for careers in diplomacy, international development, public policy, education, government, nonprofit organizations, global business, journalism, humanitarian assistance, and international organizations. It also provides excellent preparation for graduate study in African Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Development Studies, Public Administration, Anthropology, Sociology, History, Law, and related disciplines.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in African Studies
3–4 Years — Traditional Learning Track
9–12 Months — Fast-Track Learning Program
3 Credit Hours per Course
US$ 7,360
Exclusive of applicable University administrative fees
Required Major Courses
The major consists of interdisciplinary coursework in African history, politics, economics, geography, culture, international relations, development, and research. Students also complete the University's General Education requirements together with approved elective coursework.
| Course No. | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BAFR 3000 | Introduction to African Studies | 3 |
| HIS 3010 | History of Africa I | 3 |
| HIS 3020 | History of Africa II | 3 |
| BAFR 3030 | African Politics and Government | 3 |
| BAFR 3040 | African Cultures and Societies | 3 |
| ANT 3050 | Anthropology of Africa | 3 |
| ECO 3060 | African Economic Development | 3 |
| BAFR 3070 | Africa in International Relations | 3 |
| BAFR 3080 | African Literature and Intellectual Traditions | 3 |
| BAFR 3090 | Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding in Africa | 3 |
| BAFR 3100 | Environment and Sustainable Development in Africa | 3 |
| GEO 3110 | Geography of Africa | 3 |
| RES 3120 | Research Methods in African Studies | 4 |
| BAFR 3130 | Contemporary Issues in Africa | 3 |
| BAFR 4000 | Senior Seminar in African Studies | 3 |
| BAFR 4100 | Capstone Research Project | 6 |
| Total Credits | 52 | |
Course Descriptions
Select a course to view its description.
BAFR 3000 – Introduction to African Studies
Introduces the interdisciplinary study of Africa through history, politics, economics, geography, anthropology, literature, religion, and culture while examining the continent's diversity and global significance.
HIS 3010 – History of Africa I
Examines the political, social, economic, and cultural development of Africa from ancient civilizations through the pre-colonial period, emphasizing kingdoms, empires, trade networks, and regional diversity.
HIS 3020 – History of Africa II
Explores Africa from the colonial period to the present, focusing on colonialism, independence movements, nation-building, democratization, regional integration, globalization, and contemporary developments.
BAFR 3030 – African Politics and Government
Examines political institutions, constitutional systems, governance, democratization, elections, public administration, regional organizations, and public policy across African nations.
BAFR 3040 – African Cultures and Societies
Explores Africa's cultural diversity through the study of languages, religions, family structures, traditions, identity, arts, social institutions, and cultural transformation.
ANT 3050 – Anthropology of Africa
Introduces anthropological perspectives on African societies, examining kinship, ethnicity, indigenous knowledge, religion, migration, urbanization, and social change.
ECO 3060 – African Economic Development
Examines economic growth, industrialization, entrepreneurship, regional trade, natural resources, poverty reduction, sustainable development, and globalization across Africa.
BAFR 3070 – Africa in International Relations
Explores Africa's role in global affairs through diplomacy, regional organizations, international law, foreign policy, development cooperation, peacekeeping, and international governance.
BAFR 3080 – African Literature and Intellectual Traditions
Introduces major literary works and intellectual movements that have shaped African philosophy, nationalism, identity, postcolonial thought, and cultural expression.
BAFR 3090 – Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding in Africa
Examines the causes of conflict and strategies for mediation, peacebuilding, reconciliation, humanitarian intervention, transitional justice, and post-conflict reconstruction.
BAFR 3100 – Environment and Sustainable Development in Africa
Explores environmental policy, climate change, biodiversity, conservation, food security, natural resource management, and sustainable development throughout Africa.
GEO 3110 – Geography of Africa
Examines Africa's physical and human geography, including ecosystems, climate, population distribution, urbanization, migration, transportation networks, and regional development.
RES 3120 – Research Methods in African Studies
Introduces interdisciplinary research design, historical inquiry, qualitative and quantitative research methods, field research, academic writing, and ethical research practices.
BAFR 3130 – Contemporary Issues in Africa
Examines current political, economic, environmental, technological, healthcare, educational, and social issues affecting African nations while evaluating policy responses and development strategies.
BAFR 4000 – Senior Seminar in African Studies
Provides advanced interdisciplinary study of major themes and contemporary debates in African Studies through scholarly readings, seminar discussions, comparative analysis, independent research, and professional presentations.
BAFR 4100 – Capstone Research Project
Serves as the culminating academic experience requiring students to complete an original interdisciplinary research project demonstrating scholarly inquiry, analytical reasoning, academic writing, and integration of knowledge acquired throughout the program.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for careers in diplomacy, international development, public policy, education, government, nonprofit organizations, global business, journalism, humanitarian assistance, and international organizations.
Employment Sectors
Graduates are employed across national and international government agencies, diplomatic and foreign service organizations, international development agencies, NGOs, multilateral organizations, research institutes, educational institutions, global business organizations, humanitarian organizations, museums, media, and international consulting firms.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in African Studies, graduates will be able to:
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