The Individual Plan of Study (IPS) major in African Studies allows students to construct individual plans of study according to their interests and career aspirations. Students are encouraged to work closely with the student adviser at the Center for African Studies to design their programs. Courses must be drawn from at least 3 disciplines including, Anthropology, History, Linguistics, Literature, Political Science, and Sociology.

Students are also expected to demonstrate proficiency in one of the following African languages: Arabic, Swahili, and Wolof.

Requirements

A minimum of 48 hours is required for completion of the Individual Plan of Study in African Studies

Component 1: Language Requirement. Two years of language study (or demonstrated proficiency) in an indigenous African language.

Component 2: African Studies core courses. 12 hours must be at the 300 or 400 level. No more than 6 hours may be chosen from a single department.

A list of courses meeting these requirements is available from the department and is also posted on the Center’s website

Departmental distinction: to qualify a student must achieve the following

• at least a 3.5 grade point average in the major
• complete a senior thesis
• receive the approval of the Center's research committee

A Major Plan of Study Form should be completed and submitted to the LAS Students Affairs Office before the end of the fifth semester. Please see your adviser.