Topic: Intro to African Studies
| Time | Days | Location | Instructor | GER | Credit | OPUS Class Number | Syllabus (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9:35am-10:25am | MWF | Anthropology Building 105 | Debra Spitulnik. | HSC. | 4 | 2545 | TBA. |
This course provides an introduction to the diverse cultures, societies, languages, and contemporary conditions of sub-Saharan African peoples. We begin with the historiography of Africa from the dawn of humankind to creation of modern African nations. We then turn to regional case studies, African literature, film, and other media to further explore themes such as national identity, globalization, migration, gender, kinship, urban life, communication media, popular culture, and multilingualism as they define African societies and African realities.
The overarching objectives of this course are (a) to introduce students to the rich diversity of African cultures, societies, and experiences, (b) to develop an understanding of Africa?s place in the contemporary world and in relation to our own lives, (c) to introduce students to the theory and practice of engaged scholarship, and, (d) to equip students with anthropology and linguistic research skills necessary for further explorations in African Studies.
Across the semester, students will conduct research on the African immigrant communities of Atlanta. Research projects will be developed in partnership with the Atlanta-based community radio station, Sagal Radio. Through this work, students will deepen their understanding of the cultural dynamics of issues facing contemporary Africans and will contribute to the African diasporic community in Atlanta by producing original media content for dissemination on Sagal Radio.
Particulars: Course grades will be based on class participation and attendance (10%); a map quiz (5%); short writing assignments on readings, films, and special events (50%); a research paper involving the Sagal Radio listenership (25%); and a Sagal Radio media project (10%).
Course readings will stem from these books as well as readings on e-reserve. The first 2 books will be read in full.
Achebe, C. 1997. Anthills of the Savannah. Anchor Books.
Cliggett, Lisa. 2005. Grains from Grass: Aging, Gender, and Famine in Rural Africa.
Martin, P. M. and P. O?Meara, eds. 1995. Africa. 3rd Edition.
Webb, Vic and Kembo-Sure. 2000. African Voices: An Introduction to the Languages and Linguistics of Africa.
The schedule of courses on O.P.U.S. is the official listing of courses, including days and times they meet and the General Education Requirements they satisfy. Students should use course descriptions as general guidelines. Course requirements, grading details, book lists, and syllabi are subject to change.