Certificate in African Studies
The African Studies Certificate is open to undergraduate students in all schools of Georgetown University, regardless of major.
The certificate requires a total of 6 courses (18 credit hours) and proficiency in one of the following foreign languages: Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, or Swahili. Students may also fulfill the language requirement by completing at least beginners level in any language in addition to one year of study in an indigenous African language. Study abroad in Africa is strongly encouraged, but not required.
Required Core Courses
Students must complete four required courses:
* History of Africa I or II
* Peoples and Cultures of Africa
* African Politics and Government
* African Studies Colloquium or African Studies Capstone
Electives
Students complete two elective courses. Courses include, but are not limited to (see ASP Program Coordinator for complete course listing): African Cultures in the Americas, Memory and Orality in African Literature, African Self-Perceptions, History of Southern Africa, African Societies after Slavery, Culture and Politics of African Cities, History of Islam in Africa, Beginners Swahili I, Beginners Swahili II, Intermediate Swahili I, Intermediate Swahili II, Peace & Conflict in East Africa, US-African Relations, Civil Society and Democracy: Africa, Religious Organization and Experience, Nationalism/Ethic Conflict: Africa, Politics and Business in Developing Countries, African Military Conflict and Resolution, African Political Economy, African Development, African Culture and Foreign Policy, African Politics and the Novel, Financing Development in Africa, AIDS In Africa, Natural Resources: Africa & Me
Language Proficiency
Proficiency in Arabic, French, Portuguese, or Swahili. Students may also fulfill the language requirement by completing at least beginners level in any language and one year of study of an indigenous African language.
Application
Should you choose, you may apply for the ASP certificate as a Colloquium student. A thesis is one of the rare opportunities in undergrad that allows students to explore and research a topic of their own choosing. The thesis also affords a one-on-one tutorial experience, and the ability to develop arguments and apply theories and methodologies that you have learned in previous courses. Interested students should apply by submitting a Thesis Proposal Application form by the end of the second week of May of their junior year. Colloquium applicants are required to have a strong academic record with a GPA of at least 3.2 overall and 3.4 in African Studies courses, good writing skills, and a well-thought out proposal.
The Capstone allows students to receive a certificate in African Studies by completing a 20-page+ research paper, in a small-group tutorial setting, rather than the 60-page+ thesis.
