African Studies Certificate
The African Studies certificate, as part of the Black Studies program at Portland State University, provides students with a wealth of knowledge concerning the African continent, encompassing its intricate histories, captivating voices, diverse perspectives, and vibrant communities, all approached from Afrocentric and multidisciplinary lenses. Recognizing Africa's central role in global history, our curriculum provides students with a unique opportunity to delve into a wide array of themes encompassing African history, culture, politics, philosophy, and economics. Additionally, our program ensures that students who earn the Certificate cultivate cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the continent's diverse fabric, while also acknowledging its interconnectedness with global studies.
Acknowledging the significance of Africa, the Black Studies Department at Portland State University is firmly dedicated to addressing the scholarly curiosity of students in relation to the study of the continent. The African Studies Certificate forms a critical part of this commitment and serves an important intellectual function within our campus. It will give students in many majors recognition for their Africa-related work. It is expected the certificate will dovetail well with several majors and minors, including those in Black Studies, Anthropology, History, French, and Department of Politics and Global Affairs. Additionally, the Certificate will provide a pathway for students who have fulfilled the UNST global perspectives cluster or the Race and Ethnic Studies requirement and desire recognition for their Africa-related work.
Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 16 credits to earn this Certificate, including two courses from any level of BSt’s Africa-related courses. Discuss your options with an advisor or the coordinator of the certificate program.
There is no language requirement for this Certificate.
Complete at least two BSt Africa-related courses from the following list:
Up to two courses from the following list may be used towards completion of the Certificate:
| Anth 363U | Egyptian Archaeology: From Earliest Peoples to the Pyramid Age | 4 |
| ArH 351U | Ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian Art | 4 |
| ArH 426U | African Art | 4 |
| CR 427 | Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict | 4 |
| Ec 350U | Economics of Developing Countries | 4 |
| Fr 435 | Francophone Literature of the 20th Century | 4 |
| Hst 412 | Topics in African History and Culture | 4 |
| Ling 481 | World Englishes | 4 |
| Mus 374U | World Music: Africa and the Middle East | 4 |
| PS 355U | Introduction to African Politics | 4 |
| PS 472 | Democratization and Authoritarianism in the Middle East and North Africa | 4 |
| PS 473 | Government and Politics of Arab North Africa | 4 |
| Swah 330 | Topics in East African Culture and Civilization | 4 |
Total Credit Hours: 16
Study Abroad courses can count towards the Certificate when approved through the Course Substitution process. See an advisor for more details.
All courses used to satisfy the departmental certificate requirements, whether taken in the department or elsewhere, must be graded C or above. Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling departmental certificate requirements.