African Studies
Established in 1969, the African Studies Program at McGill was the first of its kind in Canada. The Program offers courses across the disciplines leading to a Minor and Major Concentration and a Joint Honors Program, allowing students many exciting opportunities to explore a wide range of political, historical, social, economic, and environmental issues pertaining to Africa. The underlying conception of the African Studies Program emanates from the basic premise that African Studies is a foundational field of study and a global intellectual enterprise, rather than one constrained by territorial boundaries.
For students pursuing a Major or Minor concentration in African Studies, the plan of study begins with an introductory course that explores African issues from an interdisciplinary and global perspective and ends with an advanced research seminar. In addition to facilitating opportunities for students to travel and study in Africa, the Program also offers a course in Swahili, which greatly enhances knowledge of African culture and society and can, along with other courses offered, pave the path towards exciting future career and travel opportunities in Africa. The African Studies Program also sponsors a variety of other types of scholarly and cultural activities throughout the academic year related to Africa and the African diaspora, many of which are initiated by its undergraduate student organization, the African Studies Students Association (ASSA), as well as the McGill African Students Society (MASS).
Please visit our website for more information.
To register for an African Studies program, you must have been offered admission into the Bachelor of Arts program at McGill. Please refer to this link for further information: https://www.mcgill.ca/undergraduate-admissions/
Major Concentration African Studies (36 Credits)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Major Concentration African Studies (36 Credits)
Program Requirement
The Major Concentration African Studies provides students with an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the African continent.
Students wishing to major in African Studies should consult the Program Advisor at the beginning of their first academic year. In the African Studies Major concentration, students will be encouraged to identify an area within a discipline of the Faculty, taking as many relevant courses as possible in that field.
During Winter 2020, the S/U option applied to all courses. For Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 terms, you could have used the S/U option for a total of 6 credits over the two terms that were taken to satisfy a program requirement.
Important note: If you have taken or intend to take a course that has at least 30% African material and your project/final paper is related to African studies, please contact us to have it assessed.
Required Courses (6 Credits)
AFRI 200. Introduction to African Studies.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The African experience and current approaches to African studies, through adopting multidisciplinary perspectives on topics that include political conflict, governance and democratization, environment and conservation, economic development, rural life and urbanism, health and illness, gender, social change, popular culture, literature, film, and the arts.
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AFRI 598. Research Seminar in African Studies.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
An interdisciplinary research seminar on topics of common interest to staff and students of the African Studies Program. As part of their contribution, students will prepare a research paper under the supervision of one or more members of staff.
- Prerequisite: an introductory course in any of the disciplines studying Africa
- Restriction: Open to final year Program students, and to others by permission of Program Adviser
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Group A (9 credits from)
ANTH 322. Social Change in Modern Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The impact of colonialism on African societies; changing families, religion, arts; political and economic transformation; migration, urbanization, new social categories; social stratification; the social setting of independence and neo-colonialism; continuity, stagnation, and progressive change.
- Fall
- Prerequisite: ANTH 202, or ANTH 204, or ANTH 205, or ANTH 206, or ANTH 209, or ANTH 212, or ANTH 227 or permission of instructor
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HIST 200. Introduction to African History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
This course stresses the interactions of the peoples of Africa with each other and with the worlds of Europe and Islam from the Iron Age to the European Conquest in 1880.
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HIST 201. Modern African History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
While covering the general political history of Africa in the twentieth century, this course also explores such themes as health and disease, gender, and urbanization.
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POLI 324. Comparative Politics of Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The government and politics of African states south of the Sahara with reference to the ideological and institutional setting as influenced by the forces of tradition and the impact of Western colonialism.
- Prerequisite: A basic course in Comparative Politics or a course on the region or written permission of the instructor
- Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 352. International Policy/Foreign Policy: Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
A study of international politics in Africa; including Africa in the U.N., the Organization of African Unity, African regional groupings and integration, Africa as a foreign policy arena and African inter-state conflict and diplomacy.
- Prerequisite: A basic course in International or African politics or written consent of the instructor
- Note: The field is International Politics.
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Group B (21 credits from)
21 credits from the Group B course lists below drawn from at least 3 disciplines with no more than 9 credits from any one discipline
African Studies
AFRI 401. Swahili Language and Culture.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Basic knowledge of the Swahili language and culture with emphasis on handling circumstances that might be encountered in field research: everyday conversation, developing aural and oral skills and mastering basic grammar rules, understanding cultural norms and practices, issues of culture sensitivity and appropriateness.
- Note: Priority to students in the African Studies Program and/or participants of the Canadian Field Studies in Africa program and to students with a demonstrable need related to internship or research. Approval by African Studies Program Adviser required.
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AFRI 480. Honours Thesis.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Supervised reading, research and preparation of an undergraduate thesis under the direction of a staff member.
- Prerequisite: the completion of all available courses relevant to the topic, and permission of the instructor and Program Adviser prior to registration
- Restriction(s): Open only to Joint Honours students.
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AFRI 481. Special Topics 1.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Supervised reading in advanced special topics in African Studies under the direction of a member of staff.
- Prerequisite: the completion of all available courses relevant to the topic, and permission of the instructor and Program Adviser prior to registration
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AFRI 499. Arts Internships: African Studies.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Internship with an approved host institution or organization.
- Note: U2 and U3 students in good standing, normally after completing 30 credits of a 90-credit program or 45 credits of a 96-120 credit program, a minimum CGPA of 2.7, and permission from the departmental Internship Adviser. This course will normally not fulfill program requirements for seminar or 400-level courses.
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Anthropology
ANTH 212. Anthropology of Development.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Processes of developmental change, as they affect small communities in the Third World and in unindustrialized parts of developed countries. Problems of technological change, political integration, population growth, industrialization, urban growth, social services, infrastructure and economic dependency.
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ANTH 315. Society/Culture: East Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Overview of the history, languages and cultures of the region. Examination of the social institutions, cultural patterns, subsistence practices and environmental settings of major social groups, including hunter-foragers, fishers, pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, and cultivators. Discussion of current theoretical and ethnological issues in the study of culture and social change.
- Winter
- Restriction: Open only to students in the Study in Africa program, a full-term field study program in East Africa
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ANTH 322. Social Change in Modern Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The impact of colonialism on African societies; changing families, religion, arts; political and economic transformation; migration, urbanization, new social categories; social stratification; the social setting of independence and neo-colonialism; continuity, stagnation, and progressive change.
- Fall
- Prerequisite: ANTH 202, or ANTH 204, or ANTH 205, or ANTH 206, or ANTH 209, or ANTH 212, or ANTH 227 or permission of instructor
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ANTH 411. Primate Studies and Conservation.
ANTH 411
Primate Studies and Conservation.
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Critical evaluation of theories in primate behaviour, ecology, and conservation that emphasizes direct observations, research design, and developing field methods.
- Winter
- Prerequisite: One course in Anthropology, Geography or Environmental Studies, Introductory Biology, or permission of the instructor.
- Restriction: Students must have completed at least two full semesters at their home university. Only open to students in the Canadian Field Studies in Africa program.
ANTH 416. Environment/Development: Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Study of environmental effects of development in East Africa, especially due to changes in traditional land tenure and resource use across diverse ecosystems. Models, policies and cases of pastoralist, agricultural, fishing, wildlife and tourist development will be examined, across savanna, desert, forest, highland and coastal environments.
- Winter
- Restriction: Open only to students in the Study in Africa program, a full-term field study program in East Africa
- Prerequisite: One prior course in Anthropology, Geography or Environmental Studies
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Architecture
ARCH 355. Architectural History 4.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Architecture (Faculty of Engineering)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The study of cities and world architecture from 1900 to the present.
- (2-1-6)
- Prerequisites: ARCH 250 and ARCH 251
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Biology
BIOL 428. Biological Diversity in Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Biological diversity as exemplified by a particular taxonomic group chosen by the instructor, using field setting in East Africa to impart training in species identification, field research, and principles embodied in the phylogeny, systematics, biogeography, ecology, physiology and/or behaviour of the organisms concerned.
- Winter
- Student must be enrolled in the Africa Field Study Seminar
- Prerequisite: BIOL 305 or equivalent or permission of instructor.
- Corequisite(s): NRSC/BIOL 451 and ANTH/GEOG 451
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BIOL 429. East African Ecology.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Field settings (Uganda, Kenya, and/or Tanzania) are used to impart training in ecological principles critical to tropical conservation with an emphasis on research design and field research exercises.
- Winter
- The course is to be taught in Africa as a component of the Africa Field Study Semester. Students must register for the Africa Field Study Semester.
- Prerequisite: BIOL 215 or equivalent.
- Corequisite: NRSC/BIOL 451 and ANTH/GEOG 451
- Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken BIOL 329.
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BIOL 451. Research in Ecology and Development in Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Development of observation and independent inquiry skills through: 1) participation in short-term project modules in collaboration with existing researchers; 2) participation in interdisciplinary team research on topics selected to allow comparative analysis of field sites; 3) active and systematic observation, documentation, and integration of field experience in ecology and development issues.
- Winter
- Open only to U2 or later students in the AFSS.
- Corequisite(s): ANTH 451 or GEOG 451
- Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken or are taking NRSC 451.
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Canadian Studies
CANS 415. Black Canada.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Institute for Study of Canada (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The significant presence of people of African descent in Canada that dates back to the 17th century. Migration and immigration will be situated as part of the renewal of Canadian identity while examining the intellectual, historical and political presence of people of African descent.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken CANS 401 when topic was "Caribbean Canadians" or "Black Diaspora".
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Economics
ECON 208. Microeconomic Analysis and Applications.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Economics (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027
Description
A university-level introduction to demand and supply, consumer behaviour, production theory, market structures and income distribution theory.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MGCR 293, ECON 230 or ECON 250
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ECON 313. Economic Development 1.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Economics (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027
Description
Microeconomic theories of economic development and empirical evidence on population, labour, firms, poverty. Inequality and environment.
- Prerequisite: ECON 208 and either ECON 209 or one development course.
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ECON 416. Topics in Economic Development 2.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Economics (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
This course gives students a broad overview of the economics of developing countries. The course covers micro and macro topics, with particular emphasis on the economic analysis at the micro level.
- Prerequisite(s): ECON 230 or ECON 250 and ECON 227D1/D2 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
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Education
-in winter 2024: African Social Movements
EDEC 575. Special Topics in Education.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Integrated Studies in Ed (Faculty of Education)
Terms offered: Summer 2026
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Summer 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
In-depth study of current topic(s) in the field of education.
- Restrictions: Open only to higher-level Undergraduate students and Master's students.
- **Due to the intensive nature of this course, the standard add/drop and withdrawal deadlines do not apply. Add/drop is the second lecture day and withdrawal is the fifth lecture day.
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English
* Note: Course is counted only when African materials are taught.
* ENGL 320. Postcolonial Literature.
* ENGL 352. Theories of Difference.
ENGL 421. African Literature.
Credits: 3
Offered by: English (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
A study of African literature.
- For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
- Winter
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French
FREN 380. Littératures francophones 1.
Credits: 3
Offered by: French Language & Literature (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Étude d’une ou de plusieurs littératures francophones autres que les littératures québécoise et française.
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FREN 381. Littératures francophones 2.
Credits: 3
Offered by: French Language & Literature (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Étude d’œuvres, d’auteurs ou de courants d’une ou de plusieurs littératures francophones autres que les littératures québécoise et française.
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Gender, Sexuality, Feminist, and Social Justice Studies
* GSFS 304. Postcolonial Feminist Theories.
* Note: Course is counted only when African materials are taught.
Geography
GEOG 216. Geography of the World Economy.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The course introduces the geography of the world economic system. It describes the spatial distribution of economic activities and examines the factors which influence their changing location. Case studies from both "developed" and "developing" countries will test the different geographical theories presented in lectures.
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GEOG 403. Global Health and Environmental Change.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Major themes and contemporary case studies in global health and environmental change. Focus on understanding global trends in emerging infectious disease from social, biophysical, and geographical perspectives, and critically assessing the health implications of environmental change in different international contexts.
- Fall
- Prerequisite: GEOG 205 or GEOG 221 or GEOG 321 or GEOG 303 or permission from the instructor
- Restriction: Course not open to students who were registered for GEOG 303 in Winter 2008.
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GEOG 404. Environmental Management 2.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Practical application of environmental planning, analysis and management techniques with reference to the needs and problems of developing areas. Special challenges posed by cultural differences and traditional resource systems are discussed. This course involves practical field work in a developing area (Kenya or Panama).
- Winter
- 3 hours
- Prerequisite: GEOG 302 or permission of instructor
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GEOG 408. Geography of Development.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Examines the geographical dimensions of development policy, specifically the relationships between the process of development and human-induced environmental change. Focuses on environmental sustainability, struggles over resource control, population and poverty, and levels of governance (the role of the state, non-governmental organizations, and local communities).
- Fall
- 3 hours
- Prerequisite: GEOG 210 or GEOG 216 or permission of instructor
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GEOG 410. Geography of Underdevelopment: Current Problems.
GEOG 410
Geography of Underdevelopment: Current Problems.
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
An examination of the cultural, political, and economic mechanisms and manifestations of contemporary underdevelopment and the response to it from different regional and national peripheral societies within the dominant world economic system.
- Winter
- 3 hours
- Prerequisite: GEOG 216 or permission of instructor
GEOG 416. Africa South of the Sahara.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
A synthetic overview of physical and cultural geography examining particularly the relation of African peoples to their landscapes, the causes and consequences of environmental changes, and the idea of sustainable development as it applies to African landscapes, resource systems and economies.
- Winter
- Offered in Kenya as part of the African Field Studies semester.
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GEOG 423. Dilemmas of Development.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Africa seems beset by development problems. Some of these appear to have no clear answer. Such dilemmas present significant barriers to moving forward with durable, effective development in Africa. This course will examine two primary and frequently interlocked dilemmas in East Africa with wide ranging impact - food security, and conflict.
- Prerequisite: GEOG 310 or GEOG 408 or GEOG 410, or equivalent
- Restriction: Open to students in the African Field Study Semester (AFSS) only
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GEOG 451. Research in Society and Development in Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Three intersecting components: 1) core development themes including culture change, environmental conservation, water, health, development (urban and rural), governance and conflict resolution, 2) research techniques for topics related to core themes, including ethics, risk, field methods and data analysis, 3) field documentation, scientific recording and communication.
- Winter
- Prerequisite: Open to U2 or later students in the AFSS.
- Corequisite: NRSC 452.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken, or are taking ANTH 451.
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History
HIST 200. Introduction to African History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
This course stresses the interactions of the peoples of Africa with each other and with the worlds of Europe and Islam from the Iron Age to the European Conquest in 1880.
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HIST 201. Modern African History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
While covering the general political history of Africa in the twentieth century, this course also explores such themes as health and disease, gender, and urbanization.
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HIST 206. Indian Ocean World History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
An introduction to the “global” system connecting eastern Africa, the Middle East,
South and Southeast Asia, and the Far East, from the earliest times to c. 1900.
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HIST 210. Introduction to Latin American History
.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Historical development of Latin America’s peoples through the pre-Columbian, colonial and national periods, c. 1300-2000. Introduces key historiographical debates of the subfield and emphasizes the interpretation of primary source texts (in translation).
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HIST 298AB. Introduction to Caribbean History
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
An introduction to a topic or theme in History.
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HIST 381. Colonial Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
An overview of the history of foreign intervention and anticolonial resistance in 19th and 20th century Africa. Topics include: theories of colonialism, the scramble for Africa, colonialism and disease, indirect rule, labour, nationalism and resistance, and changing gender roles.
- Prerequisite(s): HIST 200, HIST 201, HIST 206 or AFRI 200 recommended.
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HIST 382. History of South Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
History of South Africa from precolonial times to the present. Topics include: precolonial societies; British and Dutch colonialism; slavery in colonial South Africa; the Zulu kingdom; mining capitalism; the Boer War; Afrikaner nationalism; apartheid; the anti-apartheid struggle; music, religion, and art; challenges of the post-apartheid state.
- Prerequisite(s): HIST 200, HIST 201, HIST 206 or AFRI 200 recommended.
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HIST 389AA. Topics: African Country Survey
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
In depth survey of a single African country (other than South Africa), including the pre-colonial history of the region, colonialism, and post-colonial economic, cultural and political history.
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HIST 411. Topics in African History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
In depth examination of a specific topic or individual in African or African diasporic history.
- Prerequisite: A previous course in African history or permission of instructor.
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HIST 528. Indian Ocean World Slave Trade.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The origins, structure and impact of the Indian Ocean World slave trade from early times to the present day. Enslavement, the trading structure, slave functions, reactions to slavery, emancipation and 'slave' diaspora. Comparisons will be made to the Atlantic slave system.
- Prerequisites: HIST 200 or HIST 213 or permission of instructor.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken HIST 467.
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2025-2026 only:
HIST 560D1. World History: Seminar.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Readings on and discussion of a theme in world history.
- Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
- Restrictions: Restricted to Graduate Students and Honours students or advanced students with permission of instructor. Not open to students who have taken HIST 561.
- Students must register for both HIST 560D1 and HIST 560D2
- No credit will be given for this course unless both HIST 560D1 and HIST 560D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
- 560D1 and HIST 560D2 together are equivalent to HIST 560
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HIST 560D2. World History: Seminar.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Readings on and discussion of a theme in world history.
- Prerequisite: HIST 560D1
- Restrictions: Restricted to Graduate Students and Honours students or advanced students with permission of instructor. Not open to students who have taken HIST 561.
- No credit will be given for this course unless both HIST 560D1 and HIST 560D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
- 560D1 and HIST 560D2 together are equivalent to HIST 560
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Islamic Studies
ISLA 360. Islam and Politics.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Assessment of the relationship between Islam and politics in the contemporary Middle East and Africa through various analytic themes, including political economy, social movement and gendered analysis.
- Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or AFRI 200.
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ISLA 375. Sufi Women
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The lives and contributions of famous female Muslim mystics. Historical and literary analysis of gender discourse in male-authored representations of these mystical Sufi women, as well as developments in theologies of the cosmic feminine in Sufi philosophical texts.
- Prerequisites: ISLA 200
- Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 305 when the topic was: "Sufi Women".
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ISLA 410. History: Middle-East 1798-1918.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
A study of the Middle East from Napoleon's invasion of Egypt to the end of WWI. Emphasis will be on the emergence of nationalisms in the context of European imperialism; political, social, and economic transformation; religion and ideology; and changing patterns of alliances.
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ISLA 530. Advanced Sufism
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Advanced explorations of various specialized texts and topics in Sufi history and thought. Focus on specific Sufi thinkers, Sufi texts and literary works in the original and translation, Sufism and gender, aspects of Sufi practice.
- Prerequisites: ISLA 330 or ISLA 375.
- Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 581 when topic was: "Advanced Sufism".
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ISLA 221D1. Introductory Arabic.
Credits: 4.5
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Introduction to Modern Standard Arabic, including pronunciation and reading and writing of the Arabic script; and speaking and comprehension of basic sentences, commands, statements in the present tense.
- Prerequisites: Permission of the Institute required.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA521D1/D2.
- No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 221D1 and ISLA 221D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
- Students must register for both ISLA221D1 and ISLA 221D2.
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ISLA 221D2. Introductory Arabic.
Credits: 4.5
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
- Prerequisite: ISLA 221D1
- No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 221D1 and ISLA 221D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
- Students must register for both ISLA221D1 and ISLA 221D2.
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Natural Resources Sciences
WILD 375. Issues: Environmental Sciences.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Faculty of Agric Environ Sci)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Principles and trends in global ecology as they pertain to agricultural and natural ecosystems and the impact of environmental change on food production.
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Philosophy
PHIL 327. Philosophy of Race.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
An introduction to issues in the philosophy of race, for example: the metaphysical status of race; the biology of racial categories; the social construction of race; the relationship between race and racism; the phenomenology of racialized subjectivity; or, intersections of race, gender, and other identity categories.
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Political Science
POLI 227. Introduction to Comparative Politics - Global South.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
An introduction to politics across the Global South. A comparative examination of the legacies of colonialism, the achievement of independence, and political and socio-economic development in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Topics include modernization, dependency, state-building, political violence, revolution, the role of the military, authoritarianism, and democratization.
- Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 324. Comparative Politics of Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The government and politics of African states south of the Sahara with reference to the ideological and institutional setting as influenced by the forces of tradition and the impact of Western colonialism.
- Prerequisite: A basic course in Comparative Politics or a course on the region or written permission of the instructor
- Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 522. Seminar: Comparative Politics 1
.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Seminar on comparative politics.
- Prerequisite: At least one upper-level course in comparative politics.
- Restriction: Open to graduate students, final year honours students, and other advanced undergraduates with permission of the instructor.
- Note: The field is comparative politics
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Religious Studies
In 2025-2026 only:
RELG 318. Special Topics in Religion 3.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Topics of current interest in, or between, world religions.
- Fall and Summer
- Prerequisites: RELG 204 or RELG 252 or RELG 253.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken RELG 496.
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RELG 319. Special Topics in Religion 4.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Topics of current interest in, or between, world religions.
- Summer
- Prerequisites: RELG 204 or RELG 252 or RELG 253
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken RELG 496
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Sociology
SOCI 254. Development and Underdevelopment.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Competing theories about the causes of underdevelopment in the poor countries. Topics include the impact of geography, the population explosion, culture and national character, economic and sexual inequalities, democracy and dictatorship. Western imperialism and multi-national corporations, reliance on the market, and development through local participation, cooperation, and appropriate technology.
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SOCI 365. Health and Development.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Main concepts and controversies linking health to broader social and economic conditions in low income countries. Topics include the demographic and epidemiological transitions, the health and wealth conundrum, the social determinants of health, health as an economic development strategy, and the impact of the AIDS pandemic.
- Prerequisite: SOCI 234 or SOCI 254
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SOCI 370. Sociology: Gender and Development.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Exploration of the main development theories and discussion of how gender is placed within them, analysis of the practical application of development projects and discussion of how they affect gender dynamics, and examination of power relations between development agencies and developing countries. Examples from Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America are used.
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SOCI 446. Colonialism and Society.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Forms that colonialism took, its impact on colonial societies, and its modern legacies, focusing on overseas colonialism between 1600 and the 1970s.
- Prerequisite: SOCI 210 or permission from instructor.
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SOCI 484. Emerging Democratic States.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Focus on the sociological aspects of recent transitions to democracy within developing countries - particularly within Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Exploration of why democratization has taken place, to what extent it has been successful and the implications of democratization.
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SOCI 513. Social Aspects HIV/AIDS in Africa.
SOCI 513
Social Aspects HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Examination of the social causes and consequences of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Gender inequality, sexual behaviours, marriage systems, migration, and poverty are shaping the pandemic as well as how the pandemic is altering social, demographic and economic conditions across Africa.
- Prerequisites: SOCI 225 or SOCI 309 or Permission of Instructor.
SOCI 550. Developing Societies.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Comparison of alternative explanations of underdevelopment: the impact of social stratification, relations of domination and subordination between countries, state interference with the market. Alternative strategies of change: revolution, structural adjustment, community development and cooperatives. Students will write and present a research paper, and participate extensively in class discussion.
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For more information, see Programs, Courses and University Regulations.
Minor Concentration African Studies (18 Credits)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration African Studies (18 Credits)
Program Requirement
The Minor Concentration African Studies is available for those students majoring in a discipline of the Faculty of Arts who wish to acquire interdisciplinary knowledge of Africa.
This program may be expanded to the Major Concentration African Studies.
During Winter 2020, the S/U option applied to all courses. For Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 terms, you could have used the S/U option for a total of 6 credits over the two terms that were taken to satisfy a program requirement.
Important note: If you have taken or intend to take a course that has at least 30% African material and your project/final paper is related to African studies, please contact us to have it assessed.
Required Courses (6 Credits)
AFRI 200. Introduction to African Studies.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The African experience and current approaches to African studies, through adopting multidisciplinary perspectives on topics that include political conflict, governance and democratization, environment and conservation, economic development, rural life and urbanism, health and illness, gender, social change, popular culture, literature, film, and the arts.
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AFRI 598. Research Seminar in African Studies.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
An interdisciplinary research seminar on topics of common interest to staff and students of the African Studies Program. As part of their contribution, students will prepare a research paper under the supervision of one or more members of staff.
- Prerequisite: an introductory course in any of the disciplines studying Africa
- Restriction: Open to final year Program students, and to others by permission of Program Adviser
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Group A (3 credits from)
ANTH 322. Social Change in Modern Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The impact of colonialism on African societies; changing families, religion, arts; political and economic transformation; migration, urbanization, new social categories; social stratification; the social setting of independence and neo-colonialism; continuity, stagnation, and progressive change.
- Fall
- Prerequisite: ANTH 202, or ANTH 204, or ANTH 205, or ANTH 206, or ANTH 209, or ANTH 212, or ANTH 227 or permission of instructor
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HIST 200. Introduction to African History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
This course stresses the interactions of the peoples of Africa with each other and with the worlds of Europe and Islam from the Iron Age to the European Conquest in 1880.
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HIST 201. Modern African History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
While covering the general political history of Africa in the twentieth century, this course also explores such themes as health and disease, gender, and urbanization.
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POLI 324. Comparative Politics of Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The government and politics of African states south of the Sahara with reference to the ideological and institutional setting as influenced by the forces of tradition and the impact of Western colonialism.
- Prerequisite: A basic course in Comparative Politics or a course on the region or written permission of the instructor
- Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 352. International Policy/Foreign Policy: Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
A study of international politics in Africa; including Africa in the U.N., the Organization of African Unity, African regional groupings and integration, Africa as a foreign policy arena and African inter-state conflict and diplomacy.
- Prerequisite: A basic course in International or African politics or written consent of the instructor
- Note: The field is International Politics.
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Group B (9 credits from)
9 credits from the Group B course lists below drawn from at least 2 disciplines with no more than 6 credits from any one discipline.
African Studies
AFRI 401. Swahili Language and Culture.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Basic knowledge of the Swahili language and culture with emphasis on handling circumstances that might be encountered in field research: everyday conversation, developing aural and oral skills and mastering basic grammar rules, understanding cultural norms and practices, issues of culture sensitivity and appropriateness.
- Note: Priority to students in the African Studies Program and/or participants of the Canadian Field Studies in Africa program and to students with a demonstrable need related to internship or research. Approval by African Studies Program Adviser required.
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AFRI 480. Honours Thesis.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Supervised reading, research and preparation of an undergraduate thesis under the direction of a staff member.
- Prerequisite: the completion of all available courses relevant to the topic, and permission of the instructor and Program Adviser prior to registration
- Restriction(s): Open only to Joint Honours students.
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AFRI 481. Special Topics 1.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Supervised reading in advanced special topics in African Studies under the direction of a member of staff.
- Prerequisite: the completion of all available courses relevant to the topic, and permission of the instructor and Program Adviser prior to registration
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AFRI 499. Arts Internships: African Studies.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Internship with an approved host institution or organization.
- Note: U2 and U3 students in good standing, normally after completing 30 credits of a 90-credit program or 45 credits of a 96-120 credit program, a minimum CGPA of 2.7, and permission from the departmental Internship Adviser. This course will normally not fulfill program requirements for seminar or 400-level courses.
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Anthropology
ANTH 212. Anthropology of Development.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Processes of developmental change, as they affect small communities in the Third World and in unindustrialized parts of developed countries. Problems of technological change, political integration, population growth, industrialization, urban growth, social services, infrastructure and economic dependency.
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ANTH 315. Society/Culture: East Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Overview of the history, languages and cultures of the region. Examination of the social institutions, cultural patterns, subsistence practices and environmental settings of major social groups, including hunter-foragers, fishers, pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, and cultivators. Discussion of current theoretical and ethnological issues in the study of culture and social change.
- Winter
- Restriction: Open only to students in the Study in Africa program, a full-term field study program in East Africa
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ANTH 322. Social Change in Modern Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The impact of colonialism on African societies; changing families, religion, arts; political and economic transformation; migration, urbanization, new social categories; social stratification; the social setting of independence and neo-colonialism; continuity, stagnation, and progressive change.
- Fall
- Prerequisite: ANTH 202, or ANTH 204, or ANTH 205, or ANTH 206, or ANTH 209, or ANTH 212, or ANTH 227 or permission of instructor
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ANTH 411. Primate Studies and Conservation.
ANTH 411
Primate Studies and Conservation.
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Critical evaluation of theories in primate behaviour, ecology, and conservation that emphasizes direct observations, research design, and developing field methods.
- Winter
- Prerequisite: One course in Anthropology, Geography or Environmental Studies, Introductory Biology, or permission of the instructor.
- Restriction: Students must have completed at least two full semesters at their home university. Only open to students in the Canadian Field Studies in Africa program.
ANTH 416. Environment/Development: Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Study of environmental effects of development in East Africa, especially due to changes in traditional land tenure and resource use across diverse ecosystems. Models, policies and cases of pastoralist, agricultural, fishing, wildlife and tourist development will be examined, across savanna, desert, forest, highland and coastal environments.
- Winter
- Restriction: Open only to students in the Study in Africa program, a full-term field study program in East Africa
- Prerequisite: One prior course in Anthropology, Geography or Environmental Studies
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Architecture
ARCH 355. Architectural History 4.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Architecture (Faculty of Engineering)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The study of cities and world architecture from 1900 to the present.
- (2-1-6)
- Prerequisites: ARCH 250 and ARCH 251
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Biology
BIOL 428. Biological Diversity in Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Biological diversity as exemplified by a particular taxonomic group chosen by the instructor, using field setting in East Africa to impart training in species identification, field research, and principles embodied in the phylogeny, systematics, biogeography, ecology, physiology and/or behaviour of the organisms concerned.
- Winter
- Student must be enrolled in the Africa Field Study Seminar
- Prerequisite: BIOL 305 or equivalent or permission of instructor.
- Corequisite(s): NRSC/BIOL 451 and ANTH/GEOG 451
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BIOL 429. East African Ecology.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Field settings (Uganda, Kenya, and/or Tanzania) are used to impart training in ecological principles critical to tropical conservation with an emphasis on research design and field research exercises.
- Winter
- The course is to be taught in Africa as a component of the Africa Field Study Semester. Students must register for the Africa Field Study Semester.
- Prerequisite: BIOL 215 or equivalent.
- Corequisite: NRSC/BIOL 451 and ANTH/GEOG 451
- Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken BIOL 329.
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BIOL 451. Research in Ecology and Development in Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Development of observation and independent inquiry skills through: 1) participation in short-term project modules in collaboration with existing researchers; 2) participation in interdisciplinary team research on topics selected to allow comparative analysis of field sites; 3) active and systematic observation, documentation, and integration of field experience in ecology and development issues.
- Winter
- Open only to U2 or later students in the AFSS.
- Corequisite(s): ANTH 451 or GEOG 451
- Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken or are taking NRSC 451.
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Canadian Studies
CANS 415. Black Canada.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Institute for Study of Canada (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The significant presence of people of African descent in Canada that dates back to the 17th century. Migration and immigration will be situated as part of the renewal of Canadian identity while examining the intellectual, historical and political presence of people of African descent.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken CANS 401 when topic was "Caribbean Canadians" or "Black Diaspora".
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Economics
ECON 208. Microeconomic Analysis and Applications.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Economics (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027
Description
A university-level introduction to demand and supply, consumer behaviour, production theory, market structures and income distribution theory.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MGCR 293, ECON 230 or ECON 250
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ECON 313. Economic Development 1.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Economics (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027
Description
Microeconomic theories of economic development and empirical evidence on population, labour, firms, poverty. Inequality and environment.
- Prerequisite: ECON 208 and either ECON 209 or one development course.
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ECON 416. Topics in Economic Development 2.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Economics (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
This course gives students a broad overview of the economics of developing countries. The course covers micro and macro topics, with particular emphasis on the economic analysis at the micro level.
- Prerequisite(s): ECON 230 or ECON 250 and ECON 227D1/D2 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
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Education
-in winter 2024: African Social Movements
EDEC 575. Special Topics in Education.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Integrated Studies in Ed (Faculty of Education)
Terms offered: Summer 2026
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Summer 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
In-depth study of current topic(s) in the field of education.
- Restrictions: Open only to higher-level Undergraduate students and Master's students.
- **Due to the intensive nature of this course, the standard add/drop and withdrawal deadlines do not apply. Add/drop is the second lecture day and withdrawal is the fifth lecture day.
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English
* Note: Course is counted only when African materials are taught.
*ENGL 320. Postcolonial Literature.
*ENGL 352. Theories of Difference.
ENGL 421. African Literature.
Credits: 3
Offered by: English (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
A study of African literature.
- For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
- Winter
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French
FREN 380. Littératures francophones 1.
Credits: 3
Offered by: French Language & Literature (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Étude d’une ou de plusieurs littératures francophones autres que les littératures québécoise et française.
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FREN 381. Littératures francophones 2.
Credits: 3
Offered by: French Language & Literature (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Étude d’œuvres, d’auteurs ou de courants d’une ou de plusieurs littératures francophones autres que les littératures québécoise et française.
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Gender, Sexuality, Feminist, and Social Justice Studies
* GSFS 304. Postcolonial Feminist Theories.
* Note: Course is counted only when African materials are taught.
Geography
GEOG 216. Geography of the World Economy.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The course introduces the geography of the world economic system. It describes the spatial distribution of economic activities and examines the factors which influence their changing location. Case studies from both "developed" and "developing" countries will test the different geographical theories presented in lectures.
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GEOG 403. Global Health and Environmental Change.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Major themes and contemporary case studies in global health and environmental change. Focus on understanding global trends in emerging infectious disease from social, biophysical, and geographical perspectives, and critically assessing the health implications of environmental change in different international contexts.
- Fall
- Prerequisite: GEOG 205 or GEOG 221 or GEOG 321 or GEOG 303 or permission from the instructor
- Restriction: Course not open to students who were registered for GEOG 303 in Winter 2008.
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GEOG 404. Environmental Management 2.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Practical application of environmental planning, analysis and management techniques with reference to the needs and problems of developing areas. Special challenges posed by cultural differences and traditional resource systems are discussed. This course involves practical field work in a developing area (Kenya or Panama).
- Winter
- 3 hours
- Prerequisite: GEOG 302 or permission of instructor
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GEOG 408. Geography of Development.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Examines the geographical dimensions of development policy, specifically the relationships between the process of development and human-induced environmental change. Focuses on environmental sustainability, struggles over resource control, population and poverty, and levels of governance (the role of the state, non-governmental organizations, and local communities).
- Fall
- 3 hours
- Prerequisite: GEOG 210 or GEOG 216 or permission of instructor
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GEOG 410. Geography of Underdevelopment: Current Problems.
GEOG 410
Geography of Underdevelopment: Current Problems.
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
An examination of the cultural, political, and economic mechanisms and manifestations of contemporary underdevelopment and the response to it from different regional and national peripheral societies within the dominant world economic system.
- Winter
- 3 hours
- Prerequisite: GEOG 216 or permission of instructor
GEOG 416. Africa South of the Sahara.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
A synthetic overview of physical and cultural geography examining particularly the relation of African peoples to their landscapes, the causes and consequences of environmental changes, and the idea of sustainable development as it applies to African landscapes, resource systems and economies.
- Winter
- Offered in Kenya as part of the African Field Studies semester.
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GEOG 423. Dilemmas of Development.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Africa seems beset by development problems. Some of these appear to have no clear answer. Such dilemmas present significant barriers to moving forward with durable, effective development in Africa. This course will examine two primary and frequently interlocked dilemmas in East Africa with wide ranging impact - food security, and conflict.
- Prerequisite: GEOG 310 or GEOG 408 or GEOG 410, or equivalent
- Restriction: Open to students in the African Field Study Semester (AFSS) only
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GEOG 451. Research in Society and Development in Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Three intersecting components: 1) core development themes including culture change, environmental conservation, water, health, development (urban and rural), governance and conflict resolution, 2) research techniques for topics related to core themes, including ethics, risk, field methods and data analysis, 3) field documentation, scientific recording and communication.
- Winter
- Prerequisite: Open to U2 or later students in the AFSS.
- Corequisite: NRSC 452.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken, or are taking ANTH 451.
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History
HIST 200. Introduction to African History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
This course stresses the interactions of the peoples of Africa with each other and with the worlds of Europe and Islam from the Iron Age to the European Conquest in 1880.
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HIST 201. Modern African History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
While covering the general political history of Africa in the twentieth century, this course also explores such themes as health and disease, gender, and urbanization.
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HIST 206. Indian Ocean World History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
An introduction to the “global” system connecting eastern Africa, the Middle East,
South and Southeast Asia, and the Far East, from the earliest times to c. 1900.
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HIST 210. Introduction to Latin American History
.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Historical development of Latin America’s peoples through the pre-Columbian, colonial and national periods, c. 1300-2000. Introduces key historiographical debates of the subfield and emphasizes the interpretation of primary source texts (in translation).
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HIST 298AB. Introduction to Caribbean History
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
An introduction to a topic or theme in History.
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HIST 381. Colonial Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
An overview of the history of foreign intervention and anticolonial resistance in 19th and 20th century Africa. Topics include: theories of colonialism, the scramble for Africa, colonialism and disease, indirect rule, labour, nationalism and resistance, and changing gender roles.
- Prerequisite(s): HIST 200, HIST 201, HIST 206 or AFRI 200 recommended.
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HIST 382. History of South Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
History of South Africa from precolonial times to the present. Topics include: precolonial societies; British and Dutch colonialism; slavery in colonial South Africa; the Zulu kingdom; mining capitalism; the Boer War; Afrikaner nationalism; apartheid; the anti-apartheid struggle; music, religion, and art; challenges of the post-apartheid state.
- Prerequisite(s): HIST 200, HIST 201, HIST 206 or AFRI 200 recommended.
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HIST 389AA. Topics: African Country Survey
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
In depth survey of a single African country (other than South Africa), including the pre-colonial history of the region, colonialism, and post-colonial economic, cultural and political history.
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HIST 411. Topics in African History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
In depth examination of a specific topic or individual in African or African diasporic history.
- Prerequisite: A previous course in African history or permission of instructor.
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HIST 528. Indian Ocean World Slave Trade.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The origins, structure and impact of the Indian Ocean World slave trade from early times to the present day. Enslavement, the trading structure, slave functions, reactions to slavery, emancipation and 'slave' diaspora. Comparisons will be made to the Atlantic slave system.
- Prerequisites: HIST 200 or HIST 213 or permission of instructor.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken HIST 467.
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[2025-2026 only:
HIST 560D1. World History: Seminar.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Readings on and discussion of a theme in world history.
- Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
- Restrictions: Restricted to Graduate Students and Honours students or advanced students with permission of instructor. Not open to students who have taken HIST 561.
- Students must register for both HIST 560D1 and HIST 560D2
- No credit will be given for this course unless both HIST 560D1 and HIST 560D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
- 560D1 and HIST 560D2 together are equivalent to HIST 560
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HIST 560D2. World History: Seminar.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Readings on and discussion of a theme in world history.
- Prerequisite: HIST 560D1
- Restrictions: Restricted to Graduate Students and Honours students or advanced students with permission of instructor. Not open to students who have taken HIST 561.
- No credit will be given for this course unless both HIST 560D1 and HIST 560D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
- 560D1 and HIST 560D2 together are equivalent to HIST 560
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Islamic Studies
ISLA 360. Islam and Politics.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Assessment of the relationship between Islam and politics in the contemporary Middle East and Africa through various analytic themes, including political economy, social movement and gendered analysis.
- Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or AFRI 200.
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ISLA 410. History: Middle-East 1798-1918.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
A study of the Middle East from Napoleon's invasion of Egypt to the end of WWI. Emphasis will be on the emergence of nationalisms in the context of European imperialism; political, social, and economic transformation; religion and ideology; and changing patterns of alliances.
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ISLA 221D1. Introductory Arabic.
Credits: 4.5
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Introduction to Modern Standard Arabic, including pronunciation and reading and writing of the Arabic script; and speaking and comprehension of basic sentences, commands, statements in the present tense.
- Prerequisites: Permission of the Institute required.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA521D1/D2.
- No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 221D1 and ISLA 221D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
- Students must register for both ISLA221D1 and ISLA 221D2.
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ISLA 221D2. Introductory Arabic.
Credits: 4.5
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
- Prerequisite: ISLA 221D1
- No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 221D1 and ISLA 221D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
- Students must register for both ISLA221D1 and ISLA 221D2.
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Natural Resources and Sciences
WILD 375. Issues: Environmental Sciences.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Faculty of Agric Environ Sci)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Principles and trends in global ecology as they pertain to agricultural and natural ecosystems and the impact of environmental change on food production.
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Philosophy
PHIL 327. Philosophy of Race.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
An introduction to issues in the philosophy of race, for example: the metaphysical status of race; the biology of racial categories; the social construction of race; the relationship between race and racism; the phenomenology of racialized subjectivity; or, intersections of race, gender, and other identity categories.
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Political Science
POLI 227. Introduction to Comparative Politics - Global South.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
An introduction to politics across the Global South. A comparative examination of the legacies of colonialism, the achievement of independence, and political and socio-economic development in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Topics include modernization, dependency, state-building, political violence, revolution, the role of the military, authoritarianism, and democratization.
- Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 324. Comparative Politics of Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The government and politics of African states south of the Sahara with reference to the ideological and institutional setting as influenced by the forces of tradition and the impact of Western colonialism.
- Prerequisite: A basic course in Comparative Politics or a course on the region or written permission of the instructor
- Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 522. Seminar: Comparative Politics 1
.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Seminar on comparative politics.
- Prerequisite: At least one upper-level course in comparative politics.
- Restriction: Open to graduate students, final year honours students, and other advanced undergraduates with permission of the instructor.
- Note: The field is comparative politics
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Religious Studies
In 2025-2026 only:
RELG 318. Special Topics in Religion 3.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Topics of current interest in, or between, world religions.
- Fall and Summer
- Prerequisites: RELG 204 or RELG 252 or RELG 253.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken RELG 496.
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RELG 319. Special Topics in Religion 4.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Topics of current interest in, or between, world religions.
- Summer
- Prerequisites: RELG 204 or RELG 252 or RELG 253
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken RELG 496
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Sociology
SOCI 254. Development and Underdevelopment.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Competing theories about the causes of underdevelopment in the poor countries. Topics include the impact of geography, the population explosion, culture and national character, economic and sexual inequalities, democracy and dictatorship. Western imperialism and multi-national corporations, reliance on the market, and development through local participation, cooperation, and appropriate technology.
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SOCI 365. Health and Development.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Main concepts and controversies linking health to broader social and economic conditions in low income countries. Topics include the demographic and epidemiological transitions, the health and wealth conundrum, the social determinants of health, health as an economic development strategy, and the impact of the AIDS pandemic.
- Prerequisite: SOCI 234 or SOCI 254
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SOCI 370. Sociology: Gender and Development.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Exploration of the main development theories and discussion of how gender is placed within them, analysis of the practical application of development projects and discussion of how they affect gender dynamics, and examination of power relations between development agencies and developing countries. Examples from Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America are used.
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SOCI 446. Colonialism and Society.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Forms that colonialism took, its impact on colonial societies, and its modern legacies, focusing on overseas colonialism between 1600 and the 1970s.
- Prerequisite: SOCI 210 or permission from instructor.
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SOCI 484. Emerging Democratic States.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Focus on the sociological aspects of recent transitions to democracy within developing countries - particularly within Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Exploration of why democratization has taken place, to what extent it has been successful and the implications of democratization.
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SOCI 513. Social Aspects HIV/AIDS in Africa.
SOCI 513
Social Aspects HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Examination of the social causes and consequences of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Gender inequality, sexual behaviours, marriage systems, migration, and poverty are shaping the pandemic as well as how the pandemic is altering social, demographic and economic conditions across Africa.
- Prerequisites: SOCI 225 or SOCI 309 or Permission of Instructor.
SOCI 550. Developing Societies.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Comparison of alternative explanations of underdevelopment: the impact of social stratification, relations of domination and subordination between countries, state interference with the market. Alternative strategies of change: revolution, structural adjustment, community development and cooperatives. Students will write and present a research paper, and participate extensively in class discussion.
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For more information, see Programs, Courses and University Regulations.
Joint Honours Component World Islamic & Middle East Studies (36 Credits)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Joint Honours Component African Studies (36 Credits)
Program Requirements
The Joint Honours program in African Studies provides students with an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the African continent and its diaspora.
Students wishing to study at the Honours level in two disciplines can combine Joint Honours program components in any two Arts disciplines. Joint Honours students should consult an adviser in each department to discuss their course selection and their interdisciplinary Honours thesis (if applicable).
Joint Honours students are expected to maintain a program GPA of 3.30 and, according to Faculty regulations, a minimum CGPA of 3.00, in general. For First-Class Honours, the CGPA at graduation must be 3.50 or better.
At least 9 of the 36 credits must be at the 400 level or above.
During Winter 2020, the S/U option applied to all courses. For Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 terms, you could have used the S/U option for a total of 6 credits over the two terms that were taken to satisfy a program requirement.
Important note: If you have taken or intend to take a course that has at least 30% African material and your project/final paper is related to African studies, please contact us to have it assessed.
Required Courses (9 Credits)
AFRI 200. Introduction to African Studies.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The African experience and current approaches to African studies, through adopting multidisciplinary perspectives on topics that include political conflict, governance and democratization, environment and conservation, economic development, rural life and urbanism, health and illness, gender, social change, popular culture, literature, film, and the arts.
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AFRI 480. Honours Thesis.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Supervised reading, research and preparation of an undergraduate thesis under the direction of a staff member.
- Prerequisite: the completion of all available courses relevant to the topic, and permission of the instructor and Program Adviser prior to registration
- Restriction(s): Open only to Joint Honours students.
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AFRI 598. Research Seminar in African Studies.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
An interdisciplinary research seminar on topics of common interest to staff and students of the African Studies Program. As part of their contribution, students will prepare a research paper under the supervision of one or more members of staff.
- Prerequisite: an introductory course in any of the disciplines studying Africa
- Restriction: Open to final year Program students, and to others by permission of Program Adviser
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* Students must meet the specific requirements regarding Thesis credits of their second program in addition to the AFRI 480 Honours Thesis.
Group A (9 credits from)
ANTH 322. Social Change in Modern Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The impact of colonialism on African societies; changing families, religion, arts; political and economic transformation; migration, urbanization, new social categories; social stratification; the social setting of independence and neo-colonialism; continuity, stagnation, and progressive change.
- Fall
- Prerequisite: ANTH 202, or ANTH 204, or ANTH 205, or ANTH 206, or ANTH 209, or ANTH 212, or ANTH 227 or permission of instructor
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HIST 200. Introduction to African History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
This course stresses the interactions of the peoples of Africa with each other and with the worlds of Europe and Islam from the Iron Age to the European Conquest in 1880.
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HIST 201. Modern African History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
While covering the general political history of Africa in the twentieth century, this course also explores such themes as health and disease, gender, and urbanization.
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HIST 352. African Diaspora Post-Emancipation.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Exploration of the ways that diasporic Africans in the Atlantic World imagined freedom after European empires nominally abolished chattel enslavement in the mid-nineteenth century, including resistance, migrations, mass social movements, trans-Atlantic organizing, as well as imperialism, colonialism, and neo-colonialism from the
nineteenth century to the contemporary period.
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ISLA 360. Islam and Politics.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Assessment of the relationship between Islam and politics in the contemporary Middle East and Africa through various analytic themes, including political economy, social movement and gendered analysis.
- Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or AFRI 200.
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POLI 324. Comparative Politics of Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The government and politics of African states south of the Sahara with reference to the ideological and institutional setting as influenced by the forces of tradition and the impact of Western colonialism.
- Prerequisite: A basic course in Comparative Politics or a course on the region or written permission of the instructor
- Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 352. International Policy/Foreign Policy: Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
A study of international politics in Africa; including Africa in the U.N., the Organization of African Unity, African regional groupings and integration, Africa as a foreign policy arena and African inter-state conflict and diplomacy.
- Prerequisite: A basic course in International or African politics or written consent of the instructor
- Note: The field is International Politics.
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Group B (18 credits from)
18 credits from the Group B course lists below drawn from at least 3 disciplines with no more than 9 credits from any one discipline.
African Studies
AFRI 401. Swahili Language and Culture.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Basic knowledge of the Swahili language and culture with emphasis on handling circumstances that might be encountered in field research: everyday conversation, developing aural and oral skills and mastering basic grammar rules, understanding cultural norms and practices, issues of culture sensitivity and appropriateness.
- Note: Priority to students in the African Studies Program and/or participants of the Canadian Field Studies in Africa program and to students with a demonstrable need related to internship or research. Approval by African Studies Program Adviser required.
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AFRI 481. Special Topics 1.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Supervised reading in advanced special topics in African Studies under the direction of a member of staff.
- Prerequisite: the completion of all available courses relevant to the topic, and permission of the instructor and Program Adviser prior to registration
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AFRI 499. Arts Internships: African Studies.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Internship with an approved host institution or organization.
- Note: U2 and U3 students in good standing, normally after completing 30 credits of a 90-credit program or 45 credits of a 96-120 credit program, a minimum CGPA of 2.7, and permission from the departmental Internship Adviser. This course will normally not fulfill program requirements for seminar or 400-level courses.
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Anthropology
ANTH 212. Anthropology of Development.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Processes of developmental change, as they affect small communities in the Third World and in unindustrialized parts of developed countries. Problems of technological change, political integration, population growth, industrialization, urban growth, social services, infrastructure and economic dependency.
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ANTH 315. Society/Culture: East Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Overview of the history, languages and cultures of the region. Examination of the social institutions, cultural patterns, subsistence practices and environmental settings of major social groups, including hunter-foragers, fishers, pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, and cultivators. Discussion of current theoretical and ethnological issues in the study of culture and social change.
- Winter
- Restriction: Open only to students in the Study in Africa program, a full-term field study program in East Africa
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ANTH 322. Social Change in Modern Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The impact of colonialism on African societies; changing families, religion, arts; political and economic transformation; migration, urbanization, new social categories; social stratification; the social setting of independence and neo-colonialism; continuity, stagnation, and progressive change.
- Fall
- Prerequisite: ANTH 202, or ANTH 204, or ANTH 205, or ANTH 206, or ANTH 209, or ANTH 212, or ANTH 227 or permission of instructor
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Canadian Studies
CANS 415. Black Canada.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Institute for Study of Canada (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The significant presence of people of African descent in Canada that dates back to the 17th century. Migration and immigration will be situated as part of the renewal of Canadian identity while examining the intellectual, historical and political presence of people of African descent.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken CANS 401 when topic was "Caribbean Canadians" or "Black Diaspora".
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Economics
ECON 208. Microeconomic Analysis and Applications.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Economics (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027
Description
A university-level introduction to demand and supply, consumer behaviour, production theory, market structures and income distribution theory.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MGCR 293, ECON 230 or ECON 250
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ECON 313. Economic Development 1.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Economics (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027
Description
Microeconomic theories of economic development and empirical evidence on population, labour, firms, poverty. Inequality and environment.
- Prerequisite: ECON 208 and either ECON 209 or one development course.
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ECON 314. Economic Development 2.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Economics (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Macroeconomic development issues, including theories of growth, public finance, debt, currency crises, corruption, structural adjustment, democracy and global economic organization.
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English
ENGL 421. African Literature.
Credits: 3
Offered by: English (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
A study of African literature.
- For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
- Winter
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Geography
GEOG 216. Geography of the World Economy.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The course introduces the geography of the world economic system. It describes the spatial distribution of economic activities and examines the factors which influence their changing location. Case studies from both "developed" and "developing" countries will test the different geographical theories presented in lectures.
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GEOG 403. Global Health and Environmental Change.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Major themes and contemporary case studies in global health and environmental change. Focus on understanding global trends in emerging infectious disease from social, biophysical, and geographical perspectives, and critically assessing the health implications of environmental change in different international contexts.
- Fall
- Prerequisite: GEOG 205 or GEOG 221 or GEOG 321 or GEOG 303 or permission from the instructor
- Restriction: Course not open to students who were registered for GEOG 303 in Winter 2008.
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GEOG 408. Geography of Development.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Examines the geographical dimensions of development policy, specifically the relationships between the process of development and human-induced environmental change. Focuses on environmental sustainability, struggles over resource control, population and poverty, and levels of governance (the role of the state, non-governmental organizations, and local communities).
- Fall
- 3 hours
- Prerequisite: GEOG 210 or GEOG 216 or permission of instructor
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History
HIST 200. Introduction to African History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
This course stresses the interactions of the peoples of Africa with each other and with the worlds of Europe and Islam from the Iron Age to the European Conquest in 1880.
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HIST 201. Modern African History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
While covering the general political history of Africa in the twentieth century, this course also explores such themes as health and disease, gender, and urbanization.
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HIST 206. Indian Ocean World History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
An introduction to the “global” system connecting eastern Africa, the Middle East,
South and Southeast Asia, and the Far East, from the earliest times to c. 1900.
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HIST 224. Introduction to the African Diaspora.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
African history is global history. Introduction to African civilizations, starting in the medieval period, the emergence of proto-Black racial consciousness, colour/race prejudice and anti-blackness, institutions of resilience (such as spiritual systems and kinship networks), enslavement in North Africa, Mediterranean, Levant, Arabia, Indian Ocean, and Americas, and revolutionary resistance against racial tyranny.
- Prerequisites: HIST 204 or consent of instructor
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HIST 340. History of Modern Egypt.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Explores the history of Egypt from the 18th Century to today. Topics include: Ottoman Egypt, the impact of French and British Colonialism, Nasserism, Camp David and economic liberalization, and the Egyptian Revolution of 2011.
- Prerequisite(s): HIST 201, HIST 240 or ISLA 210 recommended.
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HIST 352. African Diaspora Post-Emancipation.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Exploration of the ways that diasporic Africans in the Atlantic World imagined freedom after European empires nominally abolished chattel enslavement in the mid-nineteenth century, including resistance, migrations, mass social movements, trans-Atlantic organizing, as well as imperialism, colonialism, and neo-colonialism from the
nineteenth century to the contemporary period.
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HIST 381. Colonial Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
An overview of the history of foreign intervention and anticolonial resistance in 19th and 20th century Africa. Topics include: theories of colonialism, the scramble for Africa, colonialism and disease, indirect rule, labour, nationalism and resistance, and changing gender roles.
- Prerequisite(s): HIST 200, HIST 201, HIST 206 or AFRI 200 recommended.
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HIST 382. History of South Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
History of South Africa from precolonial times to the present. Topics include: precolonial societies; British and Dutch colonialism; slavery in colonial South Africa; the Zulu kingdom; mining capitalism; the Boer War; Afrikaner nationalism; apartheid; the anti-apartheid struggle; music, religion, and art; challenges of the post-apartheid state.
- Prerequisite(s): HIST 200, HIST 201, HIST 206 or AFRI 200 recommended.
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HIST 389AA. Topics: African Country Survey
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
In depth survey of a single African country (other than South Africa), including the pre-colonial history of the region, colonialism, and post-colonial economic, cultural and political history.
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HIST 411. Topics in African History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
In depth examination of a specific topic or individual in African or African diasporic history.
- Prerequisite: A previous course in African history or permission of instructor.
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HIST 527. Topics: Indian Ocean World History.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
This course studies pivotal topics in Indian Ocean World (IOW) history. Topics may include (i) the rise and development of the IOW global economy; (ii) The Swahili Civilisation and the IOW; (iii) Islam and the IOW; (iv) Imperialism in the IOW; (v) IOW Slavery and Slave Trades; (vi) History of Madagascar.
- Prerequisite: Any 200 or 300 level history course or any course on Africa, Asia, global or labour studies or permission of instructor
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HIST 528. Indian Ocean World Slave Trade.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The origins, structure and impact of the Indian Ocean World slave trade from early times to the present day. Enslavement, the trading structure, slave functions, reactions to slavery, emancipation and 'slave' diaspora. Comparisons will be made to the Atlantic slave system.
- Prerequisites: HIST 200 or HIST 213 or permission of instructor.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken HIST 467.
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Islamic Studies
ISLA 360. Islam and Politics.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Assessment of the relationship between Islam and politics in the contemporary Middle East and Africa through various analytic themes, including political economy, social movement and gendered analysis.
- Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or AFRI 200.
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ISLA 375. Sufi Women
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The lives and contributions of famous female Muslim mystics. Historical and literary analysis of gender discourse in male-authored representations of these mystical Sufi women, as well as developments in theologies of the cosmic feminine in Sufi philosophical texts.
- Prerequisites: ISLA 200
- Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 305 when the topic was: "Sufi Women".
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ISLA 221D1. Introductory Arabic.
Credits: 4.5
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Introduction to Modern Standard Arabic, including pronunciation and reading and writing of the Arabic script; and speaking and comprehension of basic sentences, commands, statements in the present tense.
- Prerequisites: Permission of the Institute required.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA521D1/D2.
- No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 221D1 and ISLA 221D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
- Students must register for both ISLA221D1 and ISLA 221D2.
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ISLA 221D2. Introductory Arabic.
Credits: 4.5
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
- Prerequisite: ISLA 221D1
- No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 221D1 and ISLA 221D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
- Students must register for both ISLA221D1 and ISLA 221D2.
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ISLA 530. Advanced Sufism
Credits: 3
Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Advanced explorations of various specialized texts and topics in Sufi history and thought. Focus on specific Sufi thinkers, Sufi texts and literary works in the original and translation, Sufism and gender, aspects of Sufi practice.
- Prerequisites: ISLA 330 or ISLA 375.
- Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 581 when topic was: "Advanced Sufism".
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Political Science
POLI 227. Introduction to Comparative Politics - Global South.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
An introduction to politics across the Global South. A comparative examination of the legacies of colonialism, the achievement of independence, and political and socio-economic development in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Topics include modernization, dependency, state-building, political violence, revolution, the role of the military, authoritarianism, and democratization.
- Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 324. Comparative Politics of Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The government and politics of African states south of the Sahara with reference to the ideological and institutional setting as influenced by the forces of tradition and the impact of Western colonialism.
- Prerequisite: A basic course in Comparative Politics or a course on the region or written permission of the instructor
- Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 352. International Policy/Foreign Policy: Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
A study of international politics in Africa; including Africa in the U.N., the Organization of African Unity, African regional groupings and integration, Africa as a foreign policy arena and African inter-state conflict and diplomacy.
- Prerequisite: A basic course in International or African politics or written consent of the instructor
- Note: The field is International Politics.
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POLI 522. Seminar: Comparative Politics 1
.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Seminar on comparative politics.
- Prerequisite: At least one upper-level course in comparative politics.
- Restriction: Open to graduate students, final year honours students, and other advanced undergraduates with permission of the instructor.
- Note: The field is comparative politics
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Religious Studies
RELG 212. Introduction to African Religions and Cultures
Credits: 3
Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Introduction to the varied and diverse peoples and cultures of Africa, taking religion as the starting point for understanding their ways of life. Focus on themes and categories such as cosmology, family and social structure, history, arts, gender and sexuality, and mythology. Examination of the ways traditional forms of religion, Christianity, and Islam have played a fundamental role in shaping the realities of African societies as well as African diaspora traditions.
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Sociology
SOCI 365. Health and Development.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Main concepts and controversies linking health to broader social and economic conditions in low income countries. Topics include the demographic and epidemiological transitions, the health and wealth conundrum, the social determinants of health, health as an economic development strategy, and the impact of the AIDS pandemic.
- Prerequisite: SOCI 234 or SOCI 254
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SOCI 370. Sociology: Gender and Development.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Exploration of the main development theories and discussion of how gender is placed within them, analysis of the practical application of development projects and discussion of how they affect gender dynamics, and examination of power relations between development agencies and developing countries. Examples from Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America are used.
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SOCI 446. Colonialism and Society.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Forms that colonialism took, its impact on colonial societies, and its modern legacies, focusing on overseas colonialism between 1600 and the 1970s.
- Prerequisite: SOCI 210 or permission from instructor.
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SOCI 484. Emerging Democratic States.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Focus on the sociological aspects of recent transitions to democracy within developing countries - particularly within Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Exploration of why democratization has taken place, to what extent it has been successful and the implications of democratization.
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SOCI 513. Social Aspects HIV/AIDS in Africa.
SOCI 513
Social Aspects HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Examination of the social causes and consequences of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Gender inequality, sexual behaviours, marriage systems, migration, and poverty are shaping the pandemic as well as how the pandemic is altering social, demographic and economic conditions across Africa.
- Prerequisites: SOCI 225 or SOCI 309 or Permission of Instructor.
SOCI 550. Developing Societies.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Comparison of alternative explanations of underdevelopment: the impact of social stratification, relations of domination and subordination between countries, state interference with the market. Alternative strategies of change: revolution, structural adjustment, community development and cooperatives. Students will write and present a research paper, and participate extensively in class discussion.
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Other courses that could count
This is a non-exhaustive list of courses that could count when, minimally. a third of their content covers African materials and, if applicable, the student's written assignments are on topics related to African Studies. Please email info.islamics [at] mcgill.ca (the Student Affairs Coordinator) to start the review of a course by the Chair and/or a member of the Program Curriculum.
Architecture
ARCH 355. Architectural History 4.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Architecture (Faculty of Engineering)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
The study of cities and world architecture from 1900 to the present.
- (2-1-6)
- Prerequisites: ARCH 250 and ARCH 251
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ARCH 651. Architectural History and Theory Seminar 1.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Architecture (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Seminar on the thematic study of modern architecture and its theoretical underpinnings as a response to technological, cultural,environmental, and philosophical challenges. Historiographic and design approaches to architectural problems encountered from the pre-industrial age to contemporary post-industrial expansion.
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Education
EDEC 249. Global Education and Social Justice.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Integrated Studies in Ed (Faculty of Education)
Terms offered: Fall 2026, Winter 2027
Description
A cross-curricular, interdisciplinary approach to teaching/creating learning experiences for students. It will foster critical thinking and nurture lifelong global understanding, active engagement and participation in relation to questions of social, economic, and environmental justice, by infusing these issues in the classroom.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking EDEC 248.
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EDEC 575. Special Topics in Education.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Integrated Studies in Ed (Faculty of Education)
Terms offered: Summer 2026
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Summer 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
In-depth study of current topic(s) in the field of education.
- Restrictions: Open only to higher-level Undergraduate students and Master's students.
- **Due to the intensive nature of this course, the standard add/drop and withdrawal deadlines do not apply. Add/drop is the second lecture day and withdrawal is the fifth lecture day.
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English
ENGL 319. Literary and Cultural Criticism
Credits: 3
Offered by: English (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
A survey of recent literary and cultural criticism.
- For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
- Winter
- Restriction: Limited to students in English Major and Honours Programs
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ENGL 320. Postcolonial Literature.
Credits: 3
Offered by: English (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
A study of postcolonial literature.
- For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
- Winter
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ENGL 352. Theories of Difference.
Credits: 3
Offered by: English (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Introduction to a selection of theories that have influenced thinking about difference across the humanities and social sciences, including gender, sexuality, race, class and hierarchical structures, language, religion, ethnicity, and personal identity.
- For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.
- Fall
- Restriction: Limited to students in English Major and Honours Programs.
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French
FREN 311. Cinéma francophone.
Credits: 3
Offered by: French Language & Literature (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Étude d’oeuvres ou de courants du cinéma francophone.
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FREN 380. Littératures francophones 1.
Credits: 3
Offered by: French Language & Literature (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Étude d’une ou de plusieurs littératures francophones autres que les littératures québécoise et française.
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FREN 381. Littératures francophones 2.
Credits: 3
Offered by: French Language & Literature (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Étude d’œuvres, d’auteurs ou de courants d’une ou de plusieurs littératures francophones autres que les littératures québécoise et française.
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Gender, Sexuality, Feminist, and Social Justice Studies
GSFS 304. Postcolonial Feminist Theories.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Inst for Gender, Sex & Fem St (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Critically examines bodies of postcolonial feminist theories from a variety of cross-disciplinary and transnational perspectives.
- Prerequisite(s): GSFS 200 OR GSFS 250
- Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken WMST 401 when topic was “Women and the State in India: Colonial and Postcolonial Perspectives”.
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Geography
GEOG 217. Cities in the Modern World.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
An introduction to urban geography. Uses a spatial/geographic perspective to understand cities and their social and cultural processes. Addresses two major areas. The development and social dynamics in North American and European cities. The urban transformations in Asian, African, and Latin American societies that were recently predominantly rural and agrarian.
- Note: Winter
- Note: 3 hours
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GEOG 325. New Master-Planned Cities.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
This course examines the origins, designs, motivations and cultural politics of planned cities, focusing primarily on those currently under construction in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. A variety of themes will be explored including design responses to urban pollution and over-crowding, 'new' cities from earlier decades, totalitarianism and the city, utopianism, 'green' cities, and 'creative' cities. The course examines the various motivations underlying the design and construction of planned cities and how they are shaped by power, religion, and political ideologies. There will be a focus on evolving concepts used in city design as well as the continuities and cultural revivalism expressed through urban design and architecture. Students interested in urban and cultural geography, cities, architecture and planning in different cultural contexts will enjoy this course.
- Prerequisite(s): GEOG 217, or permission of the instructor.
- Restrictions: Open to U2 and above students.
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GEOG 410. Geography of Underdevelopment: Current Problems.
GEOG 410
Geography of Underdevelopment: Current Problems.
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
An examination of the cultural, political, and economic mechanisms and manifestations of contemporary underdevelopment and the response to it from different regional and national peripheral societies within the dominant world economic system.
- Winter
- 3 hours
- Prerequisite: GEOG 216 or permission of instructor
History
HIST 210. Introduction to Latin American History
.
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Historical development of Latin America’s peoples through the pre-Columbian, colonial and national periods, c. 1300-2000. Introduces key historiographical debates of the subfield and emphasizes the interpretation of primary source texts (in translation).
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HIST 298AB. Introduction to Caribbean History
Credits: 3
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
An introduction to a topic or theme in History.
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Indigenous Studies
INDG 400. Seminar: Indigenous Studies.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Institute for Study of Canada (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
This advanced course is designed to examine specific topics and themes in Indigenous Studies. Possible examples: Indigenous research methodologies. Topics vary from year to year.
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Philosophy
PHIL 242. Introduction to Feminist Theory.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
An introduction to feminist theory as political theory. Emphasis is placed on the plurality of analyses and proposals that constitute contemporary feminist thought. Some of the following are considered: liberal feminism, marxist and socialist feminism, radical feminism, postmodern feminism, francophone feminism, and the contributions to feminist theory by women of colour and lesbians.
- Note: Since this course is being taught abroad, the Victoria Day statutory holiday will not be taken into consideration. Therefore, students are expected to attend their lecture on Monday, May 19, 2014.
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PHIL 327. Philosophy of Race.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
An introduction to issues in the philosophy of race, for example: the metaphysical status of race; the biology of racial categories; the social construction of race; the relationship between race and racism; the phenomenology of racialized subjectivity; or, intersections of race, gender, and other identity categories.
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PHIL 427. Topics in Critical Philosophy of Race.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
An advanced discussion of topics in the critical philosophy of race.
- PHIL 327 or permission of the instructor.
- Topics vary from year to year.
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Political Science
POLI 442. International Relations of Ethnic Conflict.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Issues related to the internationalization of ethnic conflict, including diasporas, contagion and demonstration effects, intervention, irredentism, the use of sanctions and force. Combination of theory and the study of contemporary cases.
- Prerequisite: POLI 243 or POLI 244 or permission of the instructor.
- Note: The field is International Relations
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POLI 458. (De-) Coloniality.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Explores the theorization of colonialism, including settler colonialism, as a political phenomenon. Explores the connection between colonialism and political thought, with both an historical and contemporary focus. Explores how political thinkers have and are responding to, resisting, and undermining coloniality.
- Prerequisite(s): one 300-level course in political theory
- Note: This course is in the Political Theory field.
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Religious Studies
RELG 318. Special Topics in Religion 3.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Fall 2026
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Fall 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Topics of current interest in, or between, world religions.
- Fall and Summer
- Prerequisites: RELG 204 or RELG 252 or RELG 253.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken RELG 496.
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Sociology
SOCI 254. Development and Underdevelopment.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Competing theories about the causes of underdevelopment in the poor countries. Topics include the impact of geography, the population explosion, culture and national character, economic and sexual inequalities, democracy and dictatorship. Western imperialism and multi-national corporations, reliance on the market, and development through local participation, cooperation, and appropriate technology.
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East Africa Field Study Semester
ANTH 411. Primate Studies and Conservation.
ANTH 411
Primate Studies and Conservation.
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Critical evaluation of theories in primate behaviour, ecology, and conservation that emphasizes direct observations, research design, and developing field methods.
- Winter
- Prerequisite: One course in Anthropology, Geography or Environmental Studies, Introductory Biology, or permission of the instructor.
- Restriction: Students must have completed at least two full semesters at their home university. Only open to students in the Canadian Field Studies in Africa program.
ANTH 416. Environment/Development: Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Study of environmental effects of development in East Africa, especially due to changes in traditional land tenure and resource use across diverse ecosystems. Models, policies and cases of pastoralist, agricultural, fishing, wildlife and tourist development will be examined, across savanna, desert, forest, highland and coastal environments.
- Winter
- Restriction: Open only to students in the Study in Africa program, a full-term field study program in East Africa
- Prerequisite: One prior course in Anthropology, Geography or Environmental Studies
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ANTH 451. Research in Society and Development in Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Instruction focuses on three goals: 1) existing research in selected core thematic areas, 2) participating in interdisciplinary team research, 3) developing powers of observation and independent inquiry. Students will be expected to develop research activities and interdisciplinary perspectives, and to become conversant with advances in local research in their field.
- Winter
- Prerequisite: Open to U2 or later students in the AFSS.
- Corequisite: NRSC 452.
- Restriction: Open only to AFSS students during the year of participation in the field. Not open to students who have taken GEOG 451.
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BIOL 428. Biological Diversity in Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Biological diversity as exemplified by a particular taxonomic group chosen by the instructor, using field setting in East Africa to impart training in species identification, field research, and principles embodied in the phylogeny, systematics, biogeography, ecology, physiology and/or behaviour of the organisms concerned.
- Winter
- Student must be enrolled in the Africa Field Study Seminar
- Prerequisite: BIOL 305 or equivalent or permission of instructor.
- Corequisite(s): NRSC/BIOL 451 and ANTH/GEOG 451
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BIOL 429. East African Ecology.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Field settings (Uganda, Kenya, and/or Tanzania) are used to impart training in ecological principles critical to tropical conservation with an emphasis on research design and field research exercises.
- Winter
- The course is to be taught in Africa as a component of the Africa Field Study Semester. Students must register for the Africa Field Study Semester.
- Prerequisite: BIOL 215 or equivalent.
- Corequisite: NRSC/BIOL 451 and ANTH/GEOG 451
- Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken BIOL 329.
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BIOL 451. Research in Ecology and Development in Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Development of observation and independent inquiry skills through: 1) participation in short-term project modules in collaboration with existing researchers; 2) participation in interdisciplinary team research on topics selected to allow comparative analysis of field sites; 3) active and systematic observation, documentation, and integration of field experience in ecology and development issues.
- Winter
- Open only to U2 or later students in the AFSS.
- Corequisite(s): ANTH 451 or GEOG 451
- Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken or are taking NRSC 451.
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GEOG 404. Environmental Management 2.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Practical application of environmental planning, analysis and management techniques with reference to the needs and problems of developing areas. Special challenges posed by cultural differences and traditional resource systems are discussed. This course involves practical field work in a developing area (Kenya or Panama).
- Winter
- 3 hours
- Prerequisite: GEOG 302 or permission of instructor
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GEOG 416. Africa South of the Sahara.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
A synthetic overview of physical and cultural geography examining particularly the relation of African peoples to their landscapes, the causes and consequences of environmental changes, and the idea of sustainable development as it applies to African landscapes, resource systems and economies.
- Winter
- Offered in Kenya as part of the African Field Studies semester.
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GEOG 423. Dilemmas of Development.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Africa seems beset by development problems. Some of these appear to have no clear answer. Such dilemmas present significant barriers to moving forward with durable, effective development in Africa. This course will examine two primary and frequently interlocked dilemmas in East Africa with wide ranging impact - food security, and conflict.
- Prerequisite: GEOG 310 or GEOG 408 or GEOG 410, or equivalent
- Restriction: Open to students in the African Field Study Semester (AFSS) only
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GEOG 451. Research in Society and Development in Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Three intersecting components: 1) core development themes including culture change, environmental conservation, water, health, development (urban and rural), governance and conflict resolution, 2) research techniques for topics related to core themes, including ethics, risk, field methods and data analysis, 3) field documentation, scientific recording and communication.
- Winter
- Prerequisite: Open to U2 or later students in the AFSS.
- Corequisite: NRSC 452.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken, or are taking ANTH 451.
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GEOG 493. Health and Environment in Africa.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Exploration of key diseases of development, as well as patterns and determinants of health and disease in East Africa. Topics will focus on population and environmental health.
- Prerequisite: GEOG 221, GEOG 303 or permission of instructor
- Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken GEOG 403. Open to students in the African Field Study Semester (AFSS) only.
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WILD 375. Issues: Environmental Sciences.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Faculty of Agric Environ Sci)
Terms offered: Winter 2027
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Winter 2027 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Principles and trends in global ecology as they pertain to agricultural and natural ecosystems and the impact of environmental change on food production.
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For more information, see Programs, Courses and University Regulations.
AFRI 598 Research Seminar in African Studies Winter 2021