Information for candidates

The programme of African studies has three ‘tracks’ which are connected with the main language of the African Studies programme (Amharic, Hausa or Swahili). The choice of the language and the regional specialization is made at the admission stage and is determined by the yearly offer.

In the B.A. programme, the language courses take 8 hours per week. They are differentiated between grammatical drills, practical exercises, and text reading. Native speakers are regularly (in the case of Amharic) or occasionally (Hausa and Swahili) engaged in teaching. A lecture on descriptive grammar of the main language is additionally offered in the second year of studies.

The courses in linguistics, literature, history, and art refer to the whole continent and have a component related specifically to the region of specialization.

The proseminars and seminars are aimed at becoming acquainted with the methodology of research and interdisciplinary skills specific to African studies.

The specialist courses are a variable offer given by staff members, external teachers and guests. The topics range from African linguistics, literature, and history to sociology, political issues and film.

The required courses of general academic education (Cultural Anthropology, Philosophy, Logic and Semiotics, Information Technology) as well as methodological lectures are offered at the Faculty or the University level.

The M.A. programme is open for candidates having a B.A. in African studies. Its aim is twofold: improving language competence in Amharic, Hausa or Swahili and writing an M.A. thesis using the methodological framework of a selected discipline (linguistics, literature, history, cultural studies). The subject and area of research correlate with the degree requirements of Oriental and African studies and are to be accepted by the Faculty Council. In the thesis, it is recommended to use African language data as the source of research.

Holders of B.A. degrees in other disciplines may also apply for M.A. studies at the Department, but the candidates will be asked to take a language test to ascertain their level of proficiency.

The language of instruction at both B.A. and M.A. levels of studies is Polish. If there are foreign students in the class, the staff members are ready to modify the course and switch to English.