Africana Studies Minor

About the Program

The Africana Studies Minor is an interdisciplinary, joint minor program shared with Northwestern University in Qatar (Northwestern Qatar). Africana Studies provides critical understanding of African cultures and societies both within the African continent and in global contexts. Although foregrounding continental perspectives, Africana studies also includes African diasporic studies, whether in an American, European, or Asian context.

The minor covers the length and breadth of Africa and its diaspora through a growing range of disciplines. Courses offered include: anthropology, history, literature, media and communication studies, political science, religious studies and theology. Students are therefore in a position to engage multiple subjects from a rich range of perspectives, explore varied methodologies and theoretical frameworks as well as interdisciplinary studies.

Requirements

• Six courses from the list of Africana Studies recognized courses at GU-Q and Northwestern Qatar.* Note that courses may not be offered every semester. It is important to consult early with your academic advisor to plan a course of study.
• One course from your own institution. For Northwestern Qatar students, at least one course at GU-Q; for GU-Q students, at least one course at Northwestern Qatar.
• One “core” course. All other courses can be “electives.” Core courses can also be taken as electives.
• Minimum Grade Requirement. Successful completion of the minor requires that students receive a grade of C or higher in each qualifying course.
• Capstone Project. students should complete either a thesis, ePortfolio or a standard portfolio (for more details, refer to the “Capstone Project” section below).

*Note: Students can make a case for another course or independent study in Education City or elsewhere as a qualifying course. These will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Africana Studies Steering Committee.

List of Africana Studies Recognized Courses

Core Courses (select 1 course)

• GU HIST 1200: Africa I, African History to 1800
• GU HIST 1201: Africa II, African History after 1800
• GU GOVT 2806 African Political Thought
• NU ENG 242: African Literature

Elective Courses

Georgetown University in Qatar Electives (select 4 courses)

Northwestern Qatar Electives (select 1 course)

• NU ENG 370: African Cinema
• NU ENG 387: Middle East and African Graphic Novels
• NU HIST 242: Medieval Muslim Empires
• NU HIST 387: Islam and the Shaping of African History
• NU MIT 398: Sport Globalization in Africa
• NU MIT 398: African Youth Media
• NU HIST 387: African Liberation Struggles
• NU REL 242: Sufisim

Africana Studies Minor Timeline

Completing a minor requires careful planning to ensure you are taking courses which count toward Africana Studies, and are able to complete the original research capstone in time.

Capstone Project

Students will be required to complete one capstone project from the available options.