Explanation of the Concentration: As with other concentrations within the International Studies rubric, the African Studies Concentration requires students to complete four core courses:
- IS 240: Introduction to International Studies;
- a course on international systems, structures and processes;
- a course on the nature and analysis of culture;
- IS 488: the Senior Seminar.
- Language Proficiency: Students are required to fulfill general education requirements in a language taught on campus. It is highly recommended that students meet this requirement in French. In addition, students are required to complete one semester of an African language, which can be completed while studying abroad in Africa.
- One Semester study abroad on the African continent with an approved program.
- Six additional courses: three courses from Section A, and at least one from each of Sections B and C.
- At least two courses must be at the 300-level.
A. Africa-Specific Courses
- Anthropology/Environmental Studies 274: Peoples and Cultures of East Africa
- Anthropology 355: African Expressive Arts (May Term Course)
- French 318: French Civilization IV: The Francophone World
- *French 408: Studies in Francophone Literature
- Political Science 216: Politics in Africa
- Political Science 217: Politics and Society in Contemporary South Africa (May Term Travel course)
- *Political Science 370: Special Topics
B. Fine Arts & Humanities
- *Anthropology 277: Area Studies
- *English 170: Special Topics in Literature
- English 249: Writing in the Third World
- English 359: World Literature
- *History 370: Studies in History
- Religion 204: Native American and African Religions
- Religion 307: Voodoo, Santeria, and Candomble
C. Social Sciences and Natural Sciences
- *Anthropology 171: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- Anthropology 250: World Music (May Term Course)
- *Anthropology 270/370: Special Topics
- Anthropology 275: Anthropology of Theater, Performance & Spectacle
- Anthropology 352: Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective
- Anthropology 360: Race, Racism & Anthropology
- Economics 355: Economics of Developing Countries
- Health 280: Perspectives in International Health
- *Political Science 270/370: Special Topics
- *Political Science 325: Conflict Areas of the Third World
- *Sociology 354: Gender and Globalization
- *Sociology 370: Special Topics
Note: Courses taken through a study abroad program or travel courses may be substituted for courses under Sections B or C, depending on the content. Such courses are subject to the approval of the African Studies Coordinator and the Director of International Studies.
*Applies if the course is taught on an African topic. Such courses are subject to the approval of the African Studies Coordinator and the Director of International Studies.
Minor Sequence in African Studies
Explanation of the Minor: As stated in the IWU Catalog, International Studies Minors are designed for students who are interested in studying global and regional problems from an interdisciplinary perspective. The African Studies Minor is recommended for students who would like to enhance or supplement their major with a regional focus on Africa. All International Studies Minors are required to have "at least two courses at the 300- 400 level or equivalent."
Minor Sequence in African Studies: To complete an African Studies Minor, a student needs to take six courses. These courses must include:
- IS 240: Introduction to International Studies;
- five additional courses, two of which must be at the 300-400 level. Three courses must come from Section A (Africa specific courses), one course must come from Section B (Humanities and Fine Arts), and one course must come from Section C (Social Science and Natural Science).
Questions regarding the African Studies curriculum can be directed to Rebecca Gearhart, Associate Professor of Anthropology and African Studies Coordinator: rgearhar@iwu.edu; 309-556-3921.