14 September 2001

Concentration in African Studies

I have always had an interest in Africa--perhaps the same interest that many people have for Africa--interest that is rooted in stereotypes. I must admit that I was first drawn by images of wild animals and exotic cultures. In 1997 I participated in an Earthwatch expedition studying black rhinos in Zimbabwe. This first sparked my interest in field research and wildlife management in the parks of Africa. I wanted to expand my knowledge, so I enrolled in the first-year writing seminar "Global Environmental Issues: An African Perspective." Dr. James introduced me to the basic environmental issues facing African countries. I continued to take African Studies classes throughout my freshman year and a common thread of sustainable development and community-based conservation plans emerged. Pursuing an African Studies concentration enables me to further study sustainable development to build a foundation for my interest in conservation biology.

Courses I have taken (last updated 6 April 2001):

• WRI 130 First-Year Seminar Global Environmental Issues: An African Perspective

  Note: This only satisfies writing proficiency. Does not satisfy concentration requirements.

• AFR 400 Introduction to African Studies
• AFR 600 Environment and Sustainable Development in Africa
• ECO 465 Economics of Developing Countries
• BIO 508 Ecology of Africa

• Visit Kalamazoo's African Studies Web Page

Other activities:

• Student researcher for the project, "The Study of Africa and the Disciplines at Kalamazoo College"
• Study abroad sophomore fall quarter in Namibia

An update (14 Sept. 2001):

• Although my interest in Africa continues, I am no longer considering an African Studies Concentration. Kalamazoo's African Studies department has gone through changes in directors and visiting professors in the past few years. There is little possibility that they will be offering classes beyond the basic introductory class. In addition, even if they were to offer the classes I want to take, I cannot complete the required number of courses to fulfill the concentration because my schedule is too full. In light of these problems, I chose to minor in Economics.

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