UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 31, Page 7
May 14, 1992
Minor in African studies to be available this fall

     Understanding Africa today is vital. It is a vast continent whose
culture, history and resources have had tremendous impact on the
world. Students should have an opportunity to study African history
and culture for their intrinsic value and because of Africa's
importance overall."
     Wunyabari Maloba, assistant professor of history, is discussing
the new minor in African studies to be offered this fall.
     Maloba, a graduate of the University of Nairobi from Kenya,
earned a Ph.D. from Stanford University in African history.
     Maloba, the program director who has been instrumental in
planning the interdisciplinary minor, said the faculty and courses
were in place, resource material in the library was available and a
group of faculty from different disciplines felt this was an important
area of study that would enrich the undergraduate curriculum.
     In addition, the new minor will provide an avenue for expanding
dialog on the campus and between the University and the
community-at-large by presenting speakers and offering other
programs.
     "We feel it is important to go beyond the classroom and share
events associated with African studies with the University and the
public," Maloba said.
     Students enrolling in the minor must take 18 hours in African
studies. Requirements also include six hours of history courses, such
as "Africa Under Colonial Rule"; six hours of anthropology courses,
such as "Peoples of Africa";  three hours from the Black American
Studies Program in courses such as "Africanisms in America", and three
hours from other disciplines, including economics, education,
political science and philosophy.
     Other faculty involved in the program are Svend Holsoe and Peter
Weil, both associate professors of anthropology; Howard Johnson,
associate professor and James Newton, director, both of the Black
American Studies Program; Bill Lawson, assistant professor of
philosophy; Christopher Ngassam, assistant professor of finance; and
James Earl Davis, assistant professor of educational studies.
     -Sue Swyers Moncure