African Studies

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Program Details

Africa is the most culturally and geographically diverse continent on earth. The African Studies program offers you an opportunity to study the histories, cultures, languages, geographies, politics and economics of this fascinating continent. You will also learn about aid, trade and investment, and migration flows that link Africa to the rest of the world in the era of globalization.

Carleton’s African Studies program gives students a unique opportunity to encounter Africa from all possible angles and demonstrates that research in Africa flows across borders and touches issues across the globe. You will take courses in interdisciplinary fields including African history, politics, literatures, cinema, legal systems and economics.

Work Experience

Benefit from a work placement opportunity, a mentorship program and the chance to study in Africa through our African Studies Abroad course or by doing their third year at one of the African universities with which Carleton has exchange agreements. You will also have the option to participate in our Institute’s annual undergraduate research conference.

Exceptional Faculty

Faculty in the Institute of African Studies are globally recognized in diverse research fields that span special African regional foci as well as broader continental experience of globalization, pop culture and youth culture in Africa.

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African Studies professor and students in a classroom.

Career Outcomes

Explore your passions, refine new skills and discover the career that’s right for you.

The interdisciplinary nature of African Studies at Carleton prepares you for a wide variety of careers.

African Studies faculty and students having a discussion around a table.

Sample Courses

AFRI 1001 - Introduction to African Studies I

Introduction to African studies, including history, geography, literature, and the arts.

AFRI 3100 - African Studies Abroad: Selected Topics

Based at one of Carleton's partner universities in Africa, course will include lectures, seminars, guest speakers, field visits and group research projects to examine a topic in African studies, as selected by the instructor. Topic and location may change annually. Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

Visit the Undergraduate Calendar to view a comprehensive list of course offerings for this program and discover the exciting things Carleton students are learning in the classroom!

View more courses for this program