African Studies 

Degree Type: Certificate

The Program of African Studies (PAS) is the oldest African Studies program in the United States. Founded in 1948, PAS enjoys a unique legacy of sponsoring research on Africa, training students in African Studies, and facilitating the involvement of Northwestern’s departments and schools in the African continent.

PAS was conceived as an interdisciplinary program, spanning the whole range of academic disciplines. This African Studies Cluster and Certificate supplements these efforts and supports graduate training among students interested in African Studies by providing:

  • A common coursework structure integrated with students’ departmental curricula.
  • Resources for student research, including travel abroad.
  • Interdisciplinary venues to present work in progress and to receive feedback from faculty and fellow students.
  • Opportunities for collaborative research.

The program features a core group of faculty internationally renowned for research in topics related to the African continent.

Additional resources:

Certificate Offered

African Studies Courses

AFST 390-0 Topics in African Studies (1 Unit)  

A general examination of topics relevant to African studies. May be repeated for credit with change of topic. Restricted to students in Northwestern's South Africa program.

AFST 483-0 African Studies Seminar (1 Unit)  

AfriSem - An interdisciplinary, research-based forum for students studying Africa. Participants gain insight from faculty and peers across academic departments and regional and thematic focus. Sessions include student presentations of research and works-in-progress; methodological discussions; preparation for field work; and professional development. Participation throughout the academic year required to receive credit.