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Liberal Arts and Professional Studies (AP) – African Studies

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Location: N832 Ross Building, Tel.: 416-736-2100, ext. 20260
Website: http://www.yorku.ca/laps/sosc/afrs
Program Coordinator: U. Idemudia, Social Science
Affiliated Faculty: P. Avery, Languages, Literatures and Linguistics; A. Baudot, Glendon/French; M.J. Blincow, Anthropology; J. Curto, History; M. Goodman, Sociology; P. Idahosa, Social Science; U. Idemudia, Social Science; P.E. Lovejoy, History; M. Marcuzzi, Fine Arts/Music; J. Mensah, Social Science; G. Mianda, Glendon/Women’s Studies; E. Morera, Philosophy; O. Okafor, Osgoode; M. Olaogun, English; R. Saunders, Political Science; R. Simms, Fine Arts/Music; R.B. Witmer, Music

The interdisciplinary program in African Studies provides students with the opportunity to pursue their interest in Africa in conjunction with another discipline. Students in a BA Honours in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies may take either a double major or minor in African Studies. It is also possible to take a series of courses that complement their specialization in another subject area.

Students in the program usually take an interest not only in the broad range of thematic academic issues of the program, but also in the wider issues which have an impact upon Africa and its peoples. This interest is represented through a newsletter, events mounted by the program in conjunction with students, faculty and often the community and outside institutions. Because African studies has a commitment to both the intrinsic benefits of academic inquiry and to the well being of the peoples of Africa, the program can therefore equip students seeking to do graduate work, work with African communities within Canada and work abroad.

The African Studies program is designed to give graduates a broad theoretical framework and a set of highly-developed analytical skills. The career and employment opportunities for our graduates are potentially excellent, in view of society's growing awareness of the importance of international, gender and equity issues. Prospective employers welcome employees who are sensitive to international issues and comfortable with the emerging diversity of Canadian society. Alumni from our program have found work in a wide range of fields, including government, education, law, social work, public service, business and media. A degree in African studies will offer you the challenge of personal and political insight, and it will encourage you to grow intellectually beyond the confines of traditional academic learning.