The graduate program in African Studies includes a two-year master's program, a joint MA in African Studies and an MS in Library Information Science, as well as a graduate minor open to all master and doctoral students. The program exposes students to many facets of Africa and to many ways of looking at various issues relating to the continent from an interdisciplinary perspective. In addition, language training constitutes a key component of our various degree programs.<br>Strong interdisciplinary knowledge of African area studies, of Africa and its cultures and societies in a broader international and global context Students should have a good understanding of the various historical, cultural, social, economic and political conditions that shaped the development of the continent Students should be able to place their knowledge of Africa and African studies in a broader world context and from a multidisciplinary perspective. Proficiency in African language and a solid knowledge of research methodologies Students should develop appropriate expertise in a region or country in African, acquire proficiency in a language of a particular region/country and equip themselves with a good understanding of the appropriate research tools to study that region/country. Although international experience is not a requirement for the MA program, experience through study abroad is an integral part of the graduate experience, especially when fellowship opportunities for African language study do exist. Students should demonstrate commitment to conduct fieldwork whenever opportunities for study abroad are available. Students should be able to demonstrate strong research skills. Completion of an MA thesis by the end of the second year is a good indication that they have acquired good research skills. However, participation in conferences will also be a good assessment of students ability to conduct research. Students should be able to make a practical contribution to the center and to African Studies through participation in internships. The Center for African Studies has strong partnerships with organizations and institutions of higher education based on the African continent and can help students identify international internship programs. In case a student is not able to do an internship by the time they graduate, an alternative option would be for them to complete our practicum course (AFST 515). Students enrolled in this course will complete independent projects and will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and practice their skills in real-world settings.