African Studies major begins

The School of Arts and Sciences has started an African Studies major and minor this semester as a result of an active effort by African Studies professors, University officials said yesterday. "There are a lot of African Studies professors on campus," said Anthroplogy Professor Sandra Barnes, who will chair the program. "We basically just reached a 'critical mass' and the major was generated." Barnes said professors and graduate students have been meeting regularly since 1988 to discuss African issues and have established a solid network of guest lecturers and information. "It would've been a pity not to make all these resources available to students," Barnes said. The new major will have a minimum requirement of 16 credit units and involve the study of an African language as well as a special seminar and the writing of a senior thesis, Barnes said. Students will select a humanities or social sciences emphasis and pick courses accordingly. The minimum requirement for the minor is seven credit units. Among the guest professors this semester are Achille Mbembe from Cameroon and Dismas Masolo from Kenya. A committee made up of Folklore Professor Dan Ben-Amos, Associate Political Science Professor Tom Callaghy and Associate History Professor Lee Cassanelli designed the actual major. Barnes stressed that African Studies is no ordinary major. "We're all people who are very committed and really love Africa," she said. Black Student League President Martin Dias said yesterday he is also optimistic about the new major. "It's always good for blacks and non-black people to study the history of Africa and its contributions to the planet," he said.