The curricular program in African area studies is designed to
complement major degrees in the applied sciences, fine arts,
humanities, social sciences, and professional schools. The field of
African area studies emphasizes continental Africa and embraces all of
the major regions of the continent. The interdisciplinary minor in
African area studies requires a minimum of six courses (18 credits);
students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses counted toward
the minor. Students are expected to form a core concentration of three
courses in one of the following fields: humanities, African languages,
African literatures, social sciences, or humans in the environment.
These courses and the three remaining electives are to be drawn from
the approved course lists, applied learning opportunities, and study
abroad programs described below. At least three courses must be at the
300 level or above, and at least three courses must be outside the
student's major. (Rutgers College students must ensure that no more
than one of the courses they use for the minor is also being applied to
their major.) No more than four courses may be taken in one
concentration area. Students are expected to take at least 9 credits
from the core concentration course fields at the New
Brunswick/Piscataway campus. Students are strongly encouraged to take
advantage of the language learning opportunities offered through the
program while bearing in mind that it is not permissible to do the
minor using language credits alone.
