African Studies Adjunct Major
The adjunct major is structured to serve two broad aims.
First, students are exposed to the geographical and disciplinary breadth of African studies. To that end, all students take 200-level core courses in African history, anthropology, literature, and/or politics, as well as 7 elective courses chosen from an array of disciplines, including African studies, African American studies, anthropology, history, political science, religious studies, and several language and literature departments.
Second, students engage in in-depth research or immersion practicums, the products of which they develop in a capstone senior research seminar. Practicums often involve a central research component, but other proposed practicums of acceptable quality, depth of immersion, etc., may be approved. Among the experiences that may satisfy this requirement with appropriate content are study abroad in Africa, research connected to the Program of African Studies, internships, and independent study and senior capstone projects.
Students must also complete the Undergraduate Registration Requirement and the degree requirements of their home school.
NOTE: This Catalog describes Weinberg College BA requirements that pertain to students who matriculated at Northwestern after spring quarter 2023. Refer to the Archives if you are following BA requirements described in the 2018-2019 through 2022-2023 editions.
Adjunct Major Requirements (11 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| 3 core courses chosen from: | |
| African Literature in Translation | |
| Contemporary African Worlds | |
| Background to African Civilization and Culture: Origins to 17th C. | |
| Background to African Civilization and Culture: 16th-19th C. | |
| African History, 1800s-Present: Colonialism, Independence, and Beyond | |
| Politics of Africa | |
If more than three are taken, additional courses from this list may count toward the next group. | |
| 7 additional courses chosen from an approved list (available on the program website). | |
| 1 senior seminar: | |
| Senior Research Seminar | |
| There is also a required research or immersion practicum experience (see below) | |
- The 11 courses must be selected from at least three departments.
- At least 3 courses must be at the 300 level.
- All adjunct majors require completion of a stand-alone major as well.
- At most 2 courses counted toward the African studies adjunct major may be double-counted toward another major.
Research or Immersion Practicum
- The quarter-long practicum must be approved by the program.
- It must directly relate to African studies.
- Credit earned through the practicum may count as 1 of the 7 additional courses with adviser permission.
Honors in African Studies
Majors with strong academic records and an interest in pursuing honors should submit an application to the director of undergraduate studies during spring of their junior year. In addition to the AFST 395-0 Senior Research Seminar, at least 2 of the following must be included among the 11 courses for the adjunct major: AFST 399-0 Independent Study, AFST 392-1 Herskovits Undergraduate Research Award, AFST 392-2 Herskovits Undergraduate Research Award, or an approved graduate seminar. A report on original research or some other integrative capstone project, such as organizing a relevant conference or exhibition, is also required.
Students whose capstone projects and grades meet department criteria are recommended to the college for graduation with honors. For further information contact the director of undergraduate studies and see Honors in the Major.