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Nov 27, 2024
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2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]
African Studies Certificate
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University of Pittsburgh
University Center for International Studies
African Studies Program
Anna-Maria Karnes, Undergraduate & Graduate Advisor
4136 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Phone: 412-648-8143
awk19@pitt.edu
www.ucis.pitt.edu/africa
The overarching goal of the African Studies certificate is to deepen students’ knowledge and understanding of Africa through a wide range of courses on diverse topics such as African culture, business development, economics, education, environment, history, health, languages, politics, law, and religion. A benefit to any Pitt student, the certificate bolsters the breadth of any degree program without requiring a minor or major in African Studies. Since our required classes count for general education requirements, students work African Studies classes into their schedules organically. The Certificate in African Studies sets students apart in the job marketplace by demonstrating knowledge and interest in Africa to future employers.
Other Opportunities
The program also offers language and cultural immersion opportunities to study abroad in Africa, and it brings students together with faculty and visiting scholars in a variety of different academic and cultural settings. Students from all academic areas are welcome to participate in these activities, which are intended to deepen one’s knowledge and understanding of Africa and promote awareness of African realities in a wider context. Those who enroll in the program and successfully complete the requirements will be awarded the undergraduate Certificate in African Studies.
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Certificate Requirements
- One required core course (3 credits) from AFRCNA 0127 - INTRODUCTION TO AFRICA , AFRCNA 0586 - EARLY AFRICAN CIVILIZATIONS , ANTH 1778 - CULTURES OF AFRICA , HIST 0795 - HISTORY OF AFRICA BEFORE 1800 , or HIST 1796 - HISTORY OF AFRICA SINCE 1800
- Four elective courses (12 credits) selected from those on the course list that contain at least 25% African content
- Language proficiency: a minimum of two years of study (four terms) of either an indigenous African language (Swahili or Arabic) or a European language (other than English) relevant to African studies as a consequence of Africa’s historical experience (French, Portuguese, German or Spanish)
- Capstone paper: This is the culmination of the student’s learning experience and clearly demonstrates in-depth knowledge of African studies issues in at least one academic discipline. The capstone must be an assignment submitted as part of coursework, such as a final term paper and the student must have received a B or higher grade on the paper. It must be submitted to the African Studies Program no later than the last semester before graduation.
Special Academic Opportunities
African Studies Internships and Study Abroad Opportunities
The African Studies Program offers two student internships every semester where students are given full exposure to the field of African Studies and can earn 3 credits for their academic internship. Students work on skills such as networking, public speaking, communications, media relations, critical thinking, and knowledge of Africa. An African Studies internship is a great way for students to build their resume and get real life experience working for a university.
The African Studies Program also has two Pitt study abroad programs that run during the summer to Tanzania and South Africa. These programs allow students to get an on-the-ground appreciation for African studies and gain cultural understanding while working on their Arts and Science requirements.
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