About

The African Studies Minor program at UBC was initiated in 2005 in response to students’ aspiration to connect UBC more closely with the African continent. It is designed to provide students with an excellent opportunity to learn more about the African continent’s history, and the fascinating cultural and linguistic diversity of more than one billion people who live in Africa’s 54 sovereign nations. Since its inception, the African Studies Minor program has remained interdisciplinary and inclusive in its approach. Taking courses such as AFST 250, AFST 351, AFST 352 and AFST 450 offered through the African Studies program and becoming a minor in African Studies is an excellent way to learn more about the continent and its peoples, and can be used as a springboard to develop international expertise on Africa.

We also welcome you to connect with UBC’s Africa Awareness Initiative.

The African Studies Minor program provides students with the necessary academic background and skills to work in Anthropology, Economics, History, Linguistics, Literature, Political Science, and any number of other disciplines such as Environmental Studies, International Relations, and Land and Food Systems. Students who combine their majors with African Studies are better prepared for possible positions in international organizations involved in Africa. Many of our students travel abroad through the Go Global program at UBC, and some hold competitive internships with Canadian and international organizations. The African Studies Minor program is especially useful for students preparing for a career in international relations, development, global health, diplomacy and the academe.

Please contact the Chairs of the African Studies Minor, Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo (jskofi.gbolonyo@ubc.ca) or Dr. Suzanne James (Suzanne.James@ubc.ca) for further information.