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This course provides an introduction to the field of African Studies including geographical and historical background to the cultural, social, political, economic and environmental diversity found on the African continent. The introduction to African Studies is achived via examining a cross-section of key issues, perspectives, and modes of analysis employed by scholars working in African Studies. Students will become familiar with a wide range of disciplinary approaches to the study of historical and contemporary Africa, and will analyze topical issues affecting African societies. Numerous University of Oregon faculty and staff members with expertise on Africa will participate, representing perspectives from the humanities (e.g. dance, folklore, linguistics, music, and literature including English-based, Francophone and Lusephone literatures relevant to Africa), the social sciences (e.g. anthropology, development studies, economics, geography, history, political science, sociology, women’s and gender studies), the natural sciences (e.g. biology), and professional schools and applications (e.g. business, Architecture and Design, media and journalism, law, health). The course is appropriate for anyone interested in international studies, especially those considering the further study of Africa, the African diaspora, or travel to Africa. There are no prerequisites. This course fulfills the Social Science General Education Requirements, and the Global Perspectives (GP) requirement.