POSTGRADUATE PROSPECTUS

144INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIESMA AFRICAN STUDIESDEPARTMENTAfrica (see page 40)FACULTYLanguages and CulturesPROGRAMME CONVENORDr Chege GithioraDURATIONOne calendar year (full-time)Two or three years (part-time, daytime only)START OF PROGRAMMESeptember intake onlyENTRY REQUIREMENTSMinimum upper second class honours degree(or equivalent)dissertation related to the major. As the emphasisin the Regional Studies programmes is oninterdisciplinary study, students are requiredto select their three courses from more thanone discipline.The two minor courses can be taken from thesame discipline (but different to that of the major),or two different ones. Candidates who wish totake a language at other than introductory levelwill be assessed at the start of term to determinewhich is the most appropriate level of study.CHOOSING THE COURSESApplicants are asked to specify their preferredmajor and asked to give an alternative as practicalconsiderations such as timetabling and availabilityof courses may limit freedom of choice.INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIESSEE ALSO:Centre of African StudiesThe MA in African Studies provides an unrivalledprogramme of excellent advanced courses onAfrica, one of the world’s most fascinatingand challenging regions. The opportunity forinterdisciplinary study of the continent is aparticular advantage of the degree. Students canchoose from a range of about 30 courses in 12disciplines as shown below.Our former students have chosen to study Africaat this level for a wide range of reasons. For some adeep interest in the history and culture or politicaleconomy of a particular region is sufficientmotivation, but for many students the programmehas, in addition, been followed with the intentionof furthering their career opportunities. Some goon to work either in Africa, or in fields relatedto Africa. The opportunity to combine studyof particular African subjects with an Africanlanguage is very useful, although some evidenceof competence in learning a foreign language isusually required.STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTSStudents take three taught courses, one of which isconsidered a major, and complete a 10,000-wordMA AFRICAN STUDIESNot all courses listed below may be available everyyear. For courses being offered in 2008/09, pleasevisit the relevant departmental website or contactthe Faculty office. Some courses may be taught inother departments of the School.OPTIONAL COURSES (MAJORS AND MINORS)- Somali I- Amharic I- Yoruba I- Hausa I- Zulu I- Swahili I- Swahili IIA- Practical Translation from and into Swahili- The History and Politics of Portuguese-speakingAfrica (Minor only)- Urbanisation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Livelihoodsand Patterns of Growth- Southern Africa: The Political Ecology of Landand Agriculture- Agricultural and Environmental Issues inSub-Saharan Africa, with special reference toWest Africa- Environment and Development in TropicalDrylands- Muslim Societies in Sub-Saharan Africa- Religious and Philosophical Thoughtin Africa