About the field of African Studies: African studies focus on a wide range of issues relevant to Africa including the language, literature, and culture native to that continent. Depending on the program, some consider the black population throughout the world and the impact of African culture and heritage on the modern world. There are a variety of fields that emphasize different people groups by looking at the language, literature and cultural influences and accomplishments of the society including: Asian Studies , French Studies , German Studies , Italian Studies , Middle Eastern Studies , Portuguese Studies , Russian and Slavic Studies , and Spanish Studies . There are also a number of other related fields: African American studies , American studies , Central American Studies , cultural studies , history , international studies , liberal studies , Native studies , conflict resolution studies , social sciences , translation and language interpreting , urban design , and women's studies . Understanding a different culture can help broaden horizons and students studying Africa or the African people and world influence will find that the region and its people have much to teach.