Minor, Africana Studies: Curriculum
Africana Studies provides critical understanding of African identities and struggles both within the African continent and in global contexts.
The Africana Studies Minor is an interdisciplinary, joint minor program shared between Northwestern University in Qatar and Georgetown University in Qatar. Although foregrounding continental perspectives, Africana studies also includes African diasporic studies, whether in an American, European, or Asian context, as a welcome reminder that debates surrounding African identity have often been argued in minority settings. Furthermore, Africana studies includes North Africa alongside the study of sub-Saharan Africa and the African diaspora, as questions of race, religion, ethnicity, and language often need re-theorizing when centered in the rich diversity of the African continent.
Requirements for Completion of the Minor
Coursework
- Six courses are required for the minor.
- For NUQ students, at least one course at GUQ; for GUQ students, at least one course at NUQ.
- One “core” course; all others can be “electives.” Core courses can also be taken as electives.
- 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.
- For achievement of the minor, students must achieve a grade of C or higher in each qualifying course.
- Please refer to the list of courses currently recognized as Africana Studies at NUQ and GUQ. Note that courses may not be offered every semester. It is important to consult early with your academic adviser to plan a course of study.
- Please refer to the undergraduate catalog for more details about the Africana studies minor. For a list of courses that may satisfy the minor, please contact the minor committee chairperson.
Senior Portfolio/Capstone Project
Students have the option of completing a senior portfolio or another approved capstone project. The portfolio provides an overview of their course of study relating to Africana studies. The portfolio should 1) find a way of thematically connecting course content, and other campus events related to the field if applicable, 2) highlight notable projects in particular courses, and 3) explore possibilities of further inquiry in the field. The portfolio must contain substantive content of previous or ongoing work in the field of Africana Studies. Students will present their portfolio to committee members and their student colleagues, normally during the spring of their senior year. Students should provide a draft of their portfolio to the Africana Studies chairpersons two weeks in advance of their presentation. Student portfolio presentations may be open to the public. Students may elect to present a creative alternative to the portfolio (for example an e-portfolio or documentary film) with the approval the steering committee chairperson.