Program Overview
Students in the African Studies Minor will explore African history, culture, economies, political systems and artistic expression. A study of Africa provides students with a complex and rich understanding of the most important political issues now being directly faced: environmental degradation, sharing of resources, neocolonialism, challenges faced by the nation-state, pandemics, and gender inequality. Students in this program will explore the interconnections with Europe, Asia and America; Africa’s central role in world history and processes of globalization; African, Caribbean and African-American cultural and artistic responses to modernity; racism, and liberation.
Complementary Programs: Major or Minor Programs in International Development Studies, Political Science, History, English, Women’s and Gender Studies, Critical Migration Studies and Sociology
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills - Understand connections between Africa’s past and present
- Critically engage with African cultures and values
- Examine selected issues in African ethnography
- Gather
- review
- evaluate and interpret information
- Present information and ideas clearly
- Develop interdisciplinary analytical skills
Careers for Graduates - Activist
- Ambassador
- Charity Director
- Community Worker
- Foreign Correspondent
- Foreign Services Officer
- Government Administrator
- Historical Researcher
- Institutional Researcher
- Journalist
- Lobbyist
- Policy Advisor
- Political Advisor
Further Education - Literature
- History
- Education
- International Development
- Political Science
- Law School
- Paralegal Studies
- Journalism
- Public Relations
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4
Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
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Schedule an appointment with your
Program Librarian for in-depth research assistance with your assignments.
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Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
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Volunteer in DSL’s
Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.
Plan for Your Future Career
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Volunteer with organizations to expand your interests — check listings on
CLNx (Jobs & Recruitment).
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Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 1.0 credit from A-level, B-level, C-level and D-level courses (taken in Year 1-4 depending on level) in AFS, HIS, IDS and GAS courses (check UTSC Calendar for details).
- Use Degree Explorer and meet with your Program Advisor or Supervisor to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
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Get involved in relevant opportunities on and/or off campus, e.g., apply to Work Study, or other part-time and summer jobs on
CLNx (Jobs & Recruitment).
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
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Check
CLNx (Jobs & Recruitment) to search for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience and to get involved.
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 2.0 credits from A-level, B-level, C-level and D-level courses (taken in Year 1-4 depending on level) in AFS, IDS, HIS, ENG, FRE, GGR, POL and WGS (check UTSC Calendar for details).
- Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Consider competing for the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum
Apply Theory to Practice
- Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
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Register your “Intent to Graduate” on
ACORN by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
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Apply for an
Academic Travel Fund through DSL to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.
Apply Theory to Practice
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Attend the
Summer & Full-Time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for relevant summer and full-time positions.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
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Participate in the AA&CC’s
Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
Plan for Your Future Career
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Attend the AA&CC’s
Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
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Attend the
Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course”; find job opportunities on CLNx.
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Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the
AA&CC.
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Speak to your Program Advisor about applying to grad studies and get your personal statement reviewed in the
AA&CC.