African Studies

Overview

The African Studies Program focuses on governance, society, development and security in contemporary Africa. The curriculum draws on comparative approaches and broad contextual knowledge in covering this dynamic region.

Employment Outcomes


SAIS graduates are in great demand by employers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Economics knowledge, analytical abilities, regional expertise, diplomatic skills, language proficiency and the capacity to apply theory to real-world problems give our students a distinct professional advantage.

Meet Our Faculty

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“Africa is a continent on the move: One billion people in 54 countries with enormous diversity and resilience. Emerging from a legacy of poverty, authoritarian rule and insecurity, many countries in recent years have seen economic growth, democratic reforms and the resolution of conflict. The African Studies Program focuses on Africa’s continuing challenges of development, the prospects for governance and the continent’s changing position in the global system.”

Peter M. Lewis, -African Studies
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The Curriculum


Students concentrating in African Studies take at least six courses within the field (which may include a course outside African Studies on an African topic). African Studies concentrators must pass Comparative National Systems and one other core exam as requirements. Candidates for the M.A. must pass proficiency exams in French, Portuguese or Arabic. A capstone paper, derived from previous research in the program, is required in the final semester.

Concentration Requirements

Program Highlights


Students in the African Studies Program have abundant opportunities for travel, research and engagement with contemporary issues on the continent. The seminar series brings dozens of speakers to campus each year, focusing on a wide range of academic and policy topics. Recent seminars have covered politics in Nigeria and Senegal, conflict in Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and economic development in Southern Africa and the Great Lakes. The program's annual conferences cover a range of themes from development to democratization to the role of religion in politics. Most students benefit from assistance for travel to Africa, including internships, independent research and structured study trips. Research opportunities include extended programs in Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, as well as self-designed initiatives in other countries.

Details

Additional Opportunities

Internship Opportunities
African Studies students regularly receive internships in the United States and Africa. These encompass a range of organizations in government, nongovernmental institutions and the private sector. Students have had access to overseas internships in Benin, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Niger Republic, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

Travel Opportunities
On an occasional basis, the program offers study trips to students during intersession and summer periods. Recent trips have included South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, and China.

Events and Conferences
The African Studies Program sponsors a weekly seminar series and annual conferences covering a wide range of topics on Africa.

 

Events and Announcements

Upcoming Events

There are no events scheduled at this time.

Announcements

There are no announcements for African Studies at this time.

Faculty

Contact
Peter Lewis, Director
Imani Tolbert, Program Coordinator