The 6th Section of l'Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes is devoted to teaching and research in the economic and social sciences, Although recently established, this section has the most professors (called directors of studies )and the greatest number of research centers, of which the African Studies Centre is one. It was organised out of the first ‘Directorship of Studies in the Sociology of Black Africa’ established in 1954 under G. Balandier During succeeding years, four new directors of studies—and one associate director—were appointed, besides others in charge of courses and practical work. The Centre is thus effectively equipped for work of various kinds, which includes teaching and the initiation of research.