The Institute of African Studies at Fourah Bay College is an interdisciplinary research institute with teaching functions. During the next three years research plans will concentrate on two broad areas of African studies: social and economic problems, and culture and history. An equal division of activity between them is important, since there is no Institute of Social and Economic Research in the College. The Institute also provides an introductory lecture course in African studies which is required for all freshmen students under the terms of the revised degree structure of the College. The two-term lecture course deals with ‘West African History and Culture’ during the first term, and ‘Contemporary West Africa: Social and Economic Problems’ during the second.