ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The African Studies Program of Georgetown University's Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service was established in 1980. Since then, the program has grown steadily. Directed by Dr. Scott Taylor, it now boasts 16 core and associated faculty who offer more than 20 courses on the cultural, historical, economic, and political aspects of African life and society.

The centerpiece of the program is the African Studies certificate, but the program also sponsors a distinguished speaker lecture series, an annual conference on African affairs, and a summer fellowship program. A tri-annual newsletter published by the Program updates students, faculty, and friends of the Program on events at the University and in the Washington area.

Certificate

The Program offers the African Studies Certificate to undergraduate students in all schools of Georgetown University, regardless of major, provided they meet the appropriate requirements. African Studies courses can typically be counted toward other distributive requirements of the University. Check with your major department.

Distinguished Speaker Lecture Series

The Series has brought over 300 leading Africa experts to Georgetown. Past speakers for the Oliver Tambo Lecture Series have included Former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi A. Annan, the current President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

The African Studies Program also introduces the Georgetown community to key experts on African Affairs, such as the Chiroma of Kano Sanusi Ado Bayero who lectured on "Nigeria, Islam, and the United States," Ambassador Howard Jeter, former envoy to Nigeria who spoke on "Nigeria's Domestic Challenges and Regional Responsibilities;" Dr. Adekeye Adebajo, Director of the Africa Program at the International Peace Academy who lectured on "Building Peace in West Africa: Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea Bissau;" and Makila James, Political Affairs Officer at the Department of State who spoke on "The Role of the U.N. in Resolving the Conflict in Sierra Leone."

Annual Conference on African Affairs

This event is held each spring. Past speakers have included: The Hon. Jack Kemp, Dr. Catherine Coquery-Vidrovitch, Amb. Elliot Skinner; Suleyman Nyang, Prof. Micere Mugo, Dr. Nehemia Levitzion, Dr. Jacob Carruthers, Dr. Lansine Kaba, Dr. Jendayi Frazer, Dr. Anita Spring, Dr. Buchi Emecheta, Dr. Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja, Amb. David Newsom, Dr. Richard Guerrant, The Hon. Chester Crocker, and Amb. Donald McHenry.

Summer Fellowship Program

Up to two Summer Fellowships are available to our students on a competitive basis for summer study or internships in Africa.

Publications

The program publishes a newsletter, Asubuhi, three times a year.