Undergraduate Study

Undergraduate Studies

 

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an excellent place to develop your interest in Africa.

Here you have the opportunity to study several African languages, take classes taught by leading specialists on subjects ranging from history to politics to art, or get involved with student groups such as Action Sudan, African Students Association, or Engineers Without Borders.

 

Through the University you can also study abroad in Africa in for an academic year, summer, or semester.

Undergraduate certificate in African Studies

Undergraduates can earn a certificate in African Studies, which is a great way to document officially your study of Africa.

Requirements for the undergraduate certificate in African Studies

15 credits from the African Studies core curriculum:

  • Courses must come from at least two departments (no more than two courses from any one department).
  • Select courses from the African Studies Program core curriculum. Core courses contain more than 66% Africa-related content and fulfill the requirements of the undergraduate certificate in African Studies. Extended core courses contain at least 25% African content but cannot be used towards the certificate without special approval from Catherine Reiland, the African Studies Program advisor, and the course’s instructor. Requests must be made and approved by the second Friday of the semester in which the course in question will be taken. Request forms are available at the African Studies Program office.
  • A cross-listed course may count in either department in which it is cross-listed.
  • Pass/fail courses are not eligible.

Example of a Course Plan:

African Languages and Literature 230: Intro-Yoruba Life & Culture – 3cr

African Languages and Literature 371: First Semester Yoruba – 5cr

Afro American Studies 674: Museum Studies – African Art – 3cr

Geography 355: Africa, South of the Sahara – 2cr

Political Science 362: African International Relations – 3cr

How to declare an undergraduate certificate in African Studies

Meet with Catherine Reiland, the African Studies Program advisor, to complete a declaration form.

To make an appointment, visit the online WiscCal Scheduling Assistant (NetID required).

Graduating with an Undergraduate Certificate in African Studies

The Registrar will record the completion of the certificate in African Studies when you graduate. The certificate will not be awarded until you fulfill requirements of a B.A. or B.S. degree in an established major in a school or college of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have not graduated yet, but DARS indicates that I completed my African Studies certificate. When will I get my certificate?

The Registrar will record the completion of the Certificate in African Studies when you graduate. The certificate will not be awarded until you fulfill requirements of a B.A. or B.S. degree in an established major in a school or college of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

How can I find out which courses count for the certificate in African Studies?

Refer to the African Studies core curriculum.

What is the difference between core and extended core courses?

Core courses contain more than 66% Africa-related content and fulfill the requirements of the Undergraduate African Studies certificate. Extended core courses contain at least 25% African content, but cannot be used toward the certificate without special approval from Catherine Reiland, the African Studies Program advisor. Requests must be made and approved by the second Friday of the semester in which the course in question will be taken.

I just came back from a UW-sponsored studying abroad program in Africa. The Africa-related courses I took abroad show up on my DARS, but they are not counting toward the certificate in African Studies. What can I do?
DARS is not recognizing your Africa-related courses you took in Africa. Make an appointment with Catherine Reiland, the African Studies Program advisor to request an update to your DARS report.