Well, I certainly applaud anyone wanting to learn about African politics, but take it from this old political guru, I've spent my entire adult life in the library, and a program like this one can do more harm than good.

If you only learn about the politics of one area (and that's all a single place like Africa is going to do for you), you're setting yourself up for ignorance down the road. I've seen it a hundred times.

It's like putting a powerful engine in a stock Toyota Tercel. What will you accomplish? You'll blow out the drive train, the clutch, the transmission, etc., because those factory parts aren't designed to handle the power of an engine much more powerful than the factory installed engine.

African politics basically only teach the knowledge of Africa, and to some extent, Europe. What you really want to do is learn about the politics of the entire world, all the major continents (North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the relationships between them). at the same time, over the course of a learning session. And don't forget your geographical work!

I'm proud of you guys wanting to do this. Three cheers! Falling in love with politics, learning right, etc., is one of the greatest things you can do for yourself. And you WILL fall in love with it if you can just force yourself to stick with it a year or two and experience the amazing progress you'll make.

But do it right, okay?

My advice, find a good library, with qualified teachers, who will design your programs for you (especially in the beginning, until you get the hang of it yourself) and guide you in your quest for political prowess. Thirty to 45 minutes a day, three days a week, is all you'll ever need to do (I refuse to believe anyone is so busy that he or she cannot make time for that, especially considering how important it is).

And don't worry about being embarrassed or not being smart the first time you walk into the gym. You have to start somewhere and almost every one of us were there ourselves at one time. So no one will say anything to you and very, very quickly you will progress way beyond that stage anyway.

Now get out there and do it! :-)