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This course takes a topical/historical approach to the study of sub-Saharan African societies. The diversity of unique African cultural features (in kinship, economy, politics and ritual) will be considered against the backdrop of historical interactions with Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia from the precolonial period to the present. Topics covered include: lineages…
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What contributions have women made to the societies of Africa prior to colonialism? How and why did colonialism affect men and women differently? What are the implications of gender inequality for economic development in Africa today? These questions are considered from ethnographic, autobiographical and fictional accounts. Gender, class and cultural identity will be focal points.
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This course provides an introduction to the rich, diverse and inspiring world of African art. We will examine the varied ways that African art has shaped and been shaped by the histories and cultural values of different African peoples, both in the past and during the present day. This course will strengthen the student’s ability…
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This course will explore contemporary African art and the discourses that frame its production, reception and history. Issues considered include authenticity, tradition, modernity, nationality and African diasporic art. We will also examine the complex relationship of African art to colonialism, European art and its discourses, and the influence of globalization and popular culture. We will…
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An introduction to sub-Saharan African literature, orature and film in English and English translation. Authors usually include Chinua Achebe, Ama Ata Aidoo, J. M. Coetzee, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Buchi Emecheta, Bessie Head, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Wole Soyinka and Amos Tutuola, among others.
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Africa’s development paralleled European development up to the eve of European colonization of the continent. Whereas the African slave trade robbed the region of millions of her people, a distinctly African holocaust, the slave trade and its eventual demise in the early 19th century also set the stage for European colonization. This course is a…
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An ethnomusicological study of music and other expressive arts within human culture. Focus on musical traditions and aesthetics of the African continent, including Ewe, Dagbamba, Mande and Shona peoples, vocal traditions of South African and Arab music traditions found in Egypt. The Americas are represented through the diverse musical offerings of Brazil and Native American…
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This course explores the integrated mediums of dance, drumming and song of the Mande people of West Africa, fusing experiential explorations and scholarly sources; balancing warm up, technique, and repertory development with the careful consideration of relevant ethnomusicological literature, historical fiction and African films.
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An introduction to African politics. The course will focus on major issues, including political change, institutions, processes, economic development, female roles, ethnicity and foreign policy.
