Bilingual Minor in African Studies
The Bilingual Minor in African Studies introduces students to African history, culture, politics, and social realities and allows students to develop intercultural understanding, critical thinking, and communication skills in French and English. The program consists of two required courses and four electives, a total of 9 credits to be completed in French. A study abroad option in Francophone Africa is offered every two years.
According to the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (2018), Africa is home to 59% of the 300 million French speakers in the world. In Saskatchewan, there is a growing African diaspora community, a significant proportion of which is French-speaking. The program contribute to intercultural education at the University of Regina, helping students to better understand how colonization, enslavement, and anti-Black racism have shaped the experiences of the African diaspora, and in turn how members of the diaspora have resisted these structures of oppression.
The key goals of the program
- Improve students’ intercultural understanding and skills
- Improve students’ critical thinking and communication skills (in both French and English)
Admission Requirements
- Meet the entrance requirements of La Cité universitaire francophone at the University of Regina (students from all faculties are eligible for admission).
- Possess an intermediate level of French (ideally FR200 or have completed a program in a Francophone or French immersion school). A placement test may be required before enrolling in your first course.
Please make an appointment with your academic advisor at the Student Services Centre to enrol in this program.
Language Requirement
Students must complete at least nine credit hours in French. Language proficiency requirements for individual courses can be met with
- Pre-requisites including FRN 200, 201, 300, or 301, depending on the course; or
- Previous French-language learning (e.g., Grade 12 French immersion, native fluency) and a Language Placement Test scoring at or above the required level defined by the prerequisite.
Program details
- Total number of credits: 18 credits, with a minimum of 9 credit hours to be taken in French
- Compulsory courses: ÉAS 200 and ÉAS 210
- A 6.0 credit study abroad course in Francophone Africa will be offered every two years
- Courses from list A or B (see program coordinator)
Minimum GPA required for the minor: 65%
Degree Options
The certificate program is open to all university students, no matter what their program or year.
Students may choose to do the Minor at the same time as a bachelor’s program.
Courses
Two required courses
- Dynamique des sociétés africaines ÉAS200
- Cultures et représentations de l’Afrique ÉAS210
Four electives courses among the following:
List A — Courses on African topics
- ARTH 290AP 3:0-0 - African Art History
- ÉAS300AA-ZZ - Perspectives d’études sur l’Afrique
- ENGL 485AB 3:3-0 - Postcolonial Literature/Theory
- FILM 380AO 3:3-0 - African Cinema
- FILM 480BL - Afrofuturism
- FRN 220AC - La musique en Afrique francophone
- HIST 290AN 3:3-0 - History of Africa
Any other course with substantial course content related to Africa. Permission must be obtained from the Associate Director or designate.
List B — Other relevant courses
- ANTH 100 3:3-1 - Introduction to Anthropology
- ARTH 100 - Introduction à l'histoire de l'Art
- GEOG 100 - World Regional Geography
- GEOG222 - Global Economies, Local Lives
- GEOG 316 - Geography of the Third World
- HIST116 - Issues in World History
- IS220 - International Development and Poverty
- IS 300 3:3-0 - Globalization: Its Dynamics and Consequences
- MAP 201 - Global Migrations
- SOC 201 - Globalization and Development
- SOC 314 3:3-0 - Sociology of Development
- WGST 421 - Feminism, Women and Globalization
Student Support
- Access to numerous scholarships, including $500 for students taking at least 3 French courses per semester
- Access to the Student Services Centre (free tutoring service, academic guidance, job readiness, etc.)
Study abroad option
A study abroad option in Francophone Africa will be offered every two years (6 credits).
