Program Highlighted | African Studies
Introduction by | Professor Dickson Eyoh
Interview with | Jason Smit
Date | August 2000

Interview | Jason Smit

Jason is an Innis College fourth year African Studies student.

Innis: Would you introduce yourself?
Jason: My name is Jason, and I am third-year, African Studies student at the University of Toronto.

Innis: Why African Studies? What attracted you to this field?
Jason: Well, the reasons for that are kind of complicated. I took history classes in high school and was pretty familiar with Canadian and European History. Everything I learned had to do with conquering and mainly European or American History, but also some African Studies, and this interested me. Then I joined the program. Presently I am taking other history courses too, which are concerned with Caribbean studies. I like this program a lot. There are some things that I don't like. I like the professors in the department and in particular the diversity of classes. It gives me a completely new perspective on learning.

Innis: Given that there are so many programs offered by the Faculty of Arts and Science, how did you decide to pursue this program? What role did advice/influence from peers, mentors, relatives, and others play in your decision?
Jason: In first year I took some courses which included two languages and some history classes. I enjoyed history the most, and African history got my attention. I found it interesting. People would ask me why I was taking this program. I felt so happy that I was doing something different. There are not a lot of people enrolled in the program, but it is good that University of Toronto is offering this program, as a lot of other schools don't.

Innis: How would you rate the facilities and opportunities offered by this program in the University of Toronto?
Jason: New College is offering this program, and they have tons of resources. They have a huge library where you can find anything relevant to the program. There are a lot of resources available in this program, in terms of academia and administrative help, such as counseling from the department. When I have a problem I can always approach a counsellor and receive immediate advice. I was taking a literature class, The Contemporary African Novel, and I really enjoyed it. It dealt with novels from the colonial period to the present. The program gave me a different perspective on feminism, and not simply from a white feminist perspective. In terms of awareness, the people involved in the program have worked a lot. For example, students in this program usually put on shows and arrange panel discussions. Recently they went to Montreal and had some cultural programs there. In particular this year the program has been enhanced in many ways, as it is attracting more and more attention from students.

Innis: What aspects of this program do you find fascinating or inspiring - curriculum, professors, practical experience, field courses, etc.?
Jason: What I find most interesting are courses such as HIS370H1 (The Black Experience in the United States Since the Civil War) and NEW223Y1 (Caribbean Literature and Society), which have really interesting professors. They are really organized, and in terms of emotional teaching, they are really effective. I also enjoyed HIS294Y1 (Caribbean History and Culture) with Prof. Campbell. I took HIS370H1 last semester and that was probably the best course I have taken so far. It clearly illustrates the development of race relations over time. African Studies is a great program in terms of its students. As well, many of the issues dealt with pertain to the students, making conversation outside the classroom very interesting.

Innis: Of all the courses in this program that you have taken so far, which one did you enjoy the most, and why?
Jason: Probably the one I just mentioned, HIS370H1 (The Black Experience in the United States Since the Civil War), which was a half course. Another course that I enjoyed was History of the African Novel. I also enjoyed HIS294Y1 (Caribbean History and Culture).

Innis: Are there things that you might have done differently while completing this program? Would you have chosen another area to complement this one? What are some things that you wish you had known before?
Jason: I love this program. It encompasses different kinds of courses, such as History, Literature, Anthropology and Political Sciences.I wish I had taken more Political Science courses.

Innis: What suggestions do you have on how this program might be improved for other students?
Jason: I think they should expand the program by developing further awareness as well as increasing the number of professors and faculty. Also, they need a lot of financial support, like any other program.

Innis: As I understand it, the courses that you have taken mostly deal with theoretical aspects. Was there anything to do in terms of field work, or gaining experience?
Jason: Well, there wasn't much practical or fieldwork to do. But the tutorials that we had were really interactive and engaged us in discussions and debates. It made the courses a lot more interesting. Most of the time in the tutorials, some students who have a better insight of the subject, share it with others and it is really interesting. A large number of students in the program have an ethnic background that is directly related to African studies. So they know a lot and it is great that they share their knowledge with us.

Innis: Since we touched on the issue of tutorials, what comments do you have about the Teaching Assistants?
Jason: This year we didn't have many courses handled by the T.A.'s. But last year, the courses that we took were co-ordinated by T.A.'s. When they went on strike, we didn't have anyone to take care of those things. In some cases the professors would volunteer to do the T.A.'s work.

Innis: What is the one piece of advice that you would give to someone who is interested in pursuing this program?
Jason: Manage your time, in terms of reading and work. In terms of being in classrooms, talk to people. Everyone is friendly and willing to talk. Don't be afraid to approach the professors. Don't be shy to ask questions. I was too shy when I was in my first year. Get engaged in discussions. There is a lot to enjoy.

Innis: As a student in this field, I am sure you have researched the job market. What kinds of employment opportunities are there? What types of jobs are you interested in obtaining in the future? What steps are you taking to assist you in achieving these goals?
Jason: Basically, I wasn't sure what I would do. I was just thinking I would go to Teacher's College. I am currently thinking of going to graduate school. I don't really know much about the job market. I have been talking to professors and recently I was talking to the Innis Academic Counsellor about this. It is kind of hard when I see that my roommates are engineers and I am going into this field, where finding a job is not as easy.

I am interested in jobs such as teaching, or simply anything to do with solutions (helping with problems) and transferring knowledge.

I am looking for work and have volunteered to work with different organizations and groups. I taught English to some African, French-speaking students. I am currently doing research on graduate schools. I think U of T and York are the two universities who offer this program on a professional basis. Other universities do have courses in African Studies, but not on a wide scale. Queens U. offers a couple of classes. I have also been advised to contact Dalhousie, which is in Nova Scotia.

Innis: Is there anything else that you have to say personally on the program?
Jason: If people come to school, they should consider not only science programs, but other programs too. African Studies is a small program, but still it makes a difference and opens up your mind.

Innis: Thank you once again for being with us and we wish you all the best in your upcoming endeavours and plans. And it was nice meeting you.
Jason: Thanks

For furher information about the program in University of Toronto and beyond, click here.