African Studies Diploma, 2020-2021

Objective

Africa is, without a doubt, the continent of the 21st century. That is why it becomes urgent to open a space where several academics share their research works with students interested in the continent. The Diploma Course in Studies on Africa seeks for attendees to venture into African studies, expand their knowledge, and become decision-makers on issues related to the African region.

Admission profile

This course is aimed at professionals and specialists from different disciplines belonging to the public or private sector, academics, undergraduate, graduate, and the general public interested in this subject.

Some skills such as ease of speech, critical thinking, and analytical understanding will be very useful in this diploma course. Through these abilities, we seek to establish a profile that allows students to carry out researches and obtain job opportunities that correspond with their professional interests.

General Coordination: Rosamaría Villarello, José Luis Gázquez and Javier Sacristán

Check the complete program! click here

¡OPEN ENROLLMENT!

Why this course?

This diploma course works as an introduction to African studies and is an excellent support for students seeking to deepen in studies on Africa and to direct their careers to that region.

The PUEAA-UNAM Diploma Course in Studies of Africa is a continuing education program, which, unlike others, focuses on fundamental issues of contemporary Africa to broaden the understanding and perceptions of the region.

The thematic axes were raised by specialists who dedicate their professional lives to research this continent and who have the authority and knowledge to advise you during and after the diploma.

Modules

I. Economic, political and social shaping

This module reviews the pre-colonial history of the continent. From this perspective, we pretend to demonstrate that, despite what Hegel said, the African continent has a history before the Europeans, and it was of utmost importance for the development of humanity. This module covers the history of the continent until the distribution of African lands at the Berlin Congress of 1884.

II. Nation-State and contemporary political systems

After the independence movements, the African states were formed, and each one took different political and economic directions.

This module analyzes the immediate changes after the independence processes and how the new African leaders shaped the national identities of the different countries.

Concepts such as tribe, ethnicity, and race, among others, will be analyzed.

III. Geoeconomics, integration, and cooperation in the 21st century

This module will analyze the economic development of the African continent and its prospects. We will review the impact of foreign investments made by major powers, such as China and Russia. Besides, with the participation of different specialists and diplomats from African countries in Mexico, we will study how relations between both regions have developed throughout history. The Ambassadors of South Africa and Algeria will give master conferences where they will share their experience in this field. Latin America has become of vital importance for the development of Africa; this continent has become a prominent area of opportunity for developing countries.

IV. Diaspora and transnational mobility

The African Diaspora is one of the most important communities found worldwide. With the rise of the extreme right in the governments of several global powers, this module focuses on analyzing the legal, political, and economic circumstances of Africans around the globe.

V. Geopolitics, human rights, and development

The study of geopolitics allows us to broaden the current understanding of the continent and demonstrate that there is no single African reality since, as in the rest of the continents, there are countries with greater and lesser development. The perspective given on health and policy issues and changes, such as child labor and gender, will change our preconceived ideas of Africa.

VI. Culture, society and new technologies

African art expresses different political positions and has been used for various purposes. In this module, we will see how cinema integrates new technologies to adapt its western nature to African conceptions. Specifically, we will study Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart' novel. In addition, artistic expression through masks will be addressed.

Table - Workshop

Instructors

The instructors and module coordinators are, mainly, teachers and researchers who graduated from the UNAM with extensive experience in studies on Africa.

Many have lived and studied in African universities. The information they possess and will transmit throughout the course is first-hand.

What do you get when you finish?

Students who successfully complete the diploma course, besides receiving their diploma endorsed by the UNAM, will have a greater ability to understand the different events that occur in Africa.

DURATION AND SESSIONS

Duration: From August 12th, 2020 - March 22th, 2021

Sessions: Every Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

RECOVERY FEES

Recovery fee : $ 12,000.00 MXN

Payment in a single exhibition: $ 9,600.00 MXN

Partial Payments: $3,200.00 MXN

Fee per module: $2,000.00 MXN

MODALITY

Face-to-face modality and online

EVALUATION AND ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS

Requirements to obtain the diploma

• 80% attendance.
• Cover the recovery fee.
• Participate in the Final Evaluation.

Evaluation

• A written work will be delivered - The subject of the essays will be chosen according to the guidelines proposed by the coordinators of the modules.

DETAILS OF THE REGISTRATION PROCESS

1. Before requesting your registration process, please ask us any additional information and doubts you might have to the mail: educon.pueaa@unam.mx.
2. After this, please confirm your interest in enrolling as a student with a mail to the same address.
3. Once your registration is confirmed, in a lapse no longer than 3 business days, we will send an email with the referenced deposit document to make your payment and a brief registration form.
4. Print the payment form and go to any BBVA bank branch to deposit before the deadline.
5. Once you have made the payment, please mail us the original proof of payment with your name and signature on the back, and a copy of your official ID.
6. In case of requiring an invoice, please notify us at the same moment of presenting your proof of payment, along with the fiscal data, to carry it out. OTHERWISE, THE INVOICE WILL NOT BE MADE ON LATER DATES.
7. If you have any other questions, we are at your service at educon.pueaa@unam.mx

IMPORTANT NOTE: YOUR REGISTRATION WILL BE VALID ONLY AFTER THE DELIVERY OF YOUR PROOF OF PAYMENT.

CONTACT

Telephone: 5424 3785

Mail: educon.pueaa@unam.mx

Notes:

* There will be readings in English throughout the Diploma course

** Limited availability