The African Studies Program, established in 1961, fosters a strong environment for research, teaching, and outreach dedicated to Africa. The program’s intellectual commitment to interdisciplinary learning elevates a rich diversity of viewpoints about the African continent. As one of UW-Madison’s Title VI National Resource Centers located within the Institute for Regional and International Studies—a unit of the International Division—the African Studies Program also facilitates public programs for K-12 schools, community colleges, community organizations, and libraries across the state.
Academic opportunities
For over 60 years, affiliated faculty have contributed to a robust course curriculum, offering over 175 Africa-related courses that reach more than 8,500 students annually. The program collaborates closely with the Department of African Cultural Studies, the nation’s only department dedicated to the study of African languages and cultures. In addition to offering five African languages in the classroom, the unique Multilanguage Seminar enables students to study any of the 3,000+ languages spoken on the continent. Students have used this program to study 25 African languages, including 15 identified by the federal government as critical national needs, and 11 languages not supported by any other U.S. program. The African Studies Program also boasts a comprehensive range of academic opportunities, including undergraduate and graduate certificates, and a PhD minor.
- Undergraduate certificate: Undergraduates can support their interest in Africa by earning a certificate in African Studies. The African Studies Program offers more than 100 Africa-related courses each year in nearly 40 diverse departments.
- Graduate certificate: This graduate certificate is awarded to students demonstrating advanced knowledge of African Studies and requires completion of at least 12 credits of core or extended core courses taught by African Studies Program faculty.
- PhD minor: Doctoral students can enhance their academic trajectory by pursuing a PhD minor in African Studies. This interdisciplinary program requires 12 graduate credits from the African Studies Program core curriculum.
The program offers many courses, including but not limited to:
- Languages: Arabic, Swahili, Yoruba, Zulu, Hausa, and the Multilanguage Seminar
- AFRICAN 277: Interdisciplinary introduction to African Studies cross listed with seven departments
- IS 320: Interdisciplinary seminar featuring guest speakers from around the world
- AFRICAN 210: Introduction to both the oral and written traditions of African literature
Signature events and activities
The African Studies Program puts the Wisconsin Idea into action by offering free public programs and events that bring Africa to the Wisconsin community, including:
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Outreach activities
The African Studies Program outreach activities reach over 6,000 K-16 teachers, students, and community members annually. Below are just a few of the ways the program provides vital outreach:
Local: The Children’s African Story Hour shares award-winning children’s literature with libraries across Madison. The program also supports the development of new international curricula, teaching opportunities for graduate students, and transfer pathways through the Madison College Africa Initiative.
Statewide: Public libraries across Wisconsin benefit from Read Africa, which provides complimentary books to all 17 public library systems in the state of Wisconsin. Additionally, the Outreach Scholars Program brings students to schools and community groups, providing classroom presentations, African storytelling, cultural demonstrations, and more.
International: The program maintains strong connections to institutions on the continent and helps foster exchange of people and ideas between the United States and Africa. In addition to supporting students to study abroad, the program works with several local organizations to facilitate exchanges.
Fellowships and grants
ASP provides nearly $300,000 annually to support undergraduate and graduates studying languages, conducting research, and interning abroad.
- Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS): Funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the UW’s National Resource Centers to assist students in acquiring foreign language and either area or international studies competencies.
- Jordan Prize: Recognizes the year’s best academic work by a graduate student. Faculty from over 40 departments are invited to nominate outstanding students.
- African Studies Program Research Award: Supports graduate student research or creative/artistic endeavors related to the study of Africa.
- Tejumola Olaniyan International Student Travel Award: Supports the study of global Black cultures.
- William A. Brown Research Award: Supports the study of Islam or West African history.
Research
The African Studies Program provides travel grants, visiting scholar support, and global connections to over 90 faculty members and 100 graduate student affiliates. Students and faculty conduct critical research in 40 different disciplines in over 44 African countries.
Interested in learning more? Sign up for their newsletter and follow the program on social media to stay up to date on the latest news and events!
African Studies Program
205 Ingraham Hall
Email: asp@africa.wisc.edu
Phone: 608-262-2380
Address: 1155 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706
Web: africa.wisc.edu
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