African Studies Program

John Hanson, Director
Woodburn 221; IUB
(812) 855-8284
(812) 855-6734 FAX

The African Studies Program at Indiana University has long been recognized as one of the leading centers for the interdisciplinary study of Africa. It has been a U.S. Department of Education National Resource Center since 1965. The prominence of the Program is based on five complementary components:

1) A distinguished faculty in 14 academic departments and five professional schools, with extensive publication records and a commitment to teaching excellence in more than 170 Africa-related courses. Faculty members have conducted research across Africa, and they have participated in numerous exchange programs with universities on the continent.

2) The recruitment of outstanding students specializing in the study of Africa, a significant number of whom have received major grants and support for doctoral research in over two dozen African countries. About 400 Ph.D. dissertations on Africa have been completed at Indiana University. Our degree recipients have accepted academic positions across the United States and in 20 foreign countries, as well as positions in government and in public and private agencies. Many undergraduate students have received a Certificate in African Studies and learned an African language. Languages students can learn in regularly scheduled courses include Arabic, Bamana, Hausa, Kiswahili, Twi, and Zulu. Additional language offerings are available on a tutorial basis. A number of undergraduates have also participated in our exchange programs with universities in several African countries.

3) A wide range of outreach activities to schools, colleges, and universities, as well as to community groups, not-for-profit institutions, businesses, and other organizations. The Program conducts workshops and supplies speakers for various groups, and it has an extensive list of publications, videos, and teaching materials that are available for use. Teachers and other people in the community are welcome to visit the Outreach Resource Center at the African Studies Program.

4) The generous support from federal agencies and private foundation, which sustains teaching, research, public service, and outreach activities. The Program has received support from the U.S. Department of Education since 1965. During the same period, the Program and its faculty have also received grants and fellowships from, among others, the National Endowment for the Humanities and Arts, the National Science Foundation, the United States Information Agency, the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations, Fulbright, the Mellon Foundation, the Social Science Research Council, UNESCO, the Lilly Endowment, the Compton Foundation, as well as from different corporate donors.

5) Indiana University's comprehensive support for African Studies faculty and staff, for library staff and acquisitions, and for student assistantships and fee remissions. With the additional assistance of federal and private philanthropic agencies, the students and faculty in the African Studies Program have distinguished themselves through their teaching, research, publications, and related professional activities. These efforts have led to the development of great disciplinary strengths at Indiana University in African languages and linguistics, in African arts and humanities, and in the social sciences, as well as significant involvement with Indiana University's professional schools.