African studies is the study of
Africa, especially the continent's cultures and societies (as opposed to its geology, geography, zoology, etc.). The field includes the study of Africa's
history (Pre-colonial,
colonial,
post-colonial),
demography (
ethnic groups),
culture,
politics,
economy,
languages, and
religion (
Islam,
Christianity,
traditional religions). A specialist in African studies is often referred to as an "Africanist". A key focus of the discipline is to interrogate
epistemological approaches, theories and methods in traditional disciplines using a critical lens that inserts African-centred ways of knowing and references.