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The Five College Certificate in African Studies offers undergraduate students an opportunity to pursue an interest in African studies as a complement to any academic major. Drawing on the expertise and courses offered by more than fifty faculty members across the consortium, as well as numerous international education programs, students pursuing the certificate work in consultation with an African Studies advisor to design a sequence of study relevant to the student's interests.

Students successfully completing the requirements in consultation with a certificate advisor and to the satisfaction of the Five College African Studies Program Steering Committee are awarded the certificate upon graduation.

Learn more about finding an advisor, recommended courses and certificate procedures at www.fivecolleges.edu/african.

Certificate Requirements:

A. Six courses, chosen from at least four different departments, programs, or disciplines:
Each course should carry at least three semester credits and its content should be at least 50% devoted to the study of Africa.

1. Historical Overview. Minimum of one course providing historical perspective on Africa. Not limited to courses offered in History. (Normally the course should offer at least a regional perspective.)

2. Social Science. Minimum of one course on Africa in the social sciences (i.e. Anthropology, Archeology, Economics, Geography, Political Science, Sociology).

3. Arts and Humanities. Minimum of one course on Africa in the fine arts and humanities (i.e. Art, Folklore, History, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Religion).

B. Language Requirement: Proficiency through the level of the second year in college, in an indigenous or colonial language of Africa other than English. This requirement may be met by examination or course work; such language courses may not count towards the six courses required in Section A. For more information about language study see www.fivecolleges.edu/languages/languagelist.

C. Further Stipulations:

1. No more than three courses in any one department or program may count toward the six required in Section A.

2. A certificate candidate may present courses taken in Africa with approval of the certificate advisor. Normally at least three of the required courses must be taken at a Five College institution.

3. A candidate must earn a grade of B or better in every course for the certificate; none may be taken on a pass/fail basis.

4. Unusual circumstances may warrant substituting certificate requirements. A student, through her/his African Studies Faculty Advisor, may petition the Five College African Studies Program Steering Committee at least one full semester before graduation for adjustments in these requirements. A successful petition will satisfy the interdisciplinary character of the certificate program.

D. Recommended Actions:

1. Students are encouraged to spend one semester or more in an African country. Information about study abroad and other opportunities is available at the campus international programs office at each campus.

2. Students are encouraged to complete their certificate program with an independent study project that integrates and focuses their course work in African studies.