Course Overview

Africa is a continent more than three times the size of the United States and home to over 900 million people speaking over 2,000 languages. Its 52 constituent states include dictatorships and democracies, middle income and poor countries, areas which are predominantly urban and others which are overwhelmingly rural. Despite the vast diversity of African peoples, landscapes, and economies, the continent is commonly imagined simplistically by outsiders, often being portrayed as a single place beset by a common range of problems. In this course, we will examine some of the common images, stereotypes, and conceptions of Africa, and explore the ways in which they have been created, recreated, reinforced, or undermined. To this end, we will read, view, and discuss fiction, travel writing, film, music, television, news media, popular culture, and blogs. The course is based on readings, discussions, student presentations, and a research paper.

Objectives

1. In this course, students will hone their ability to think critically and to formulate considered responses to ideas they encounter in readings and class discussions.
2. Students will learn that argument, criticism, and disagreement are essential part of intellectual growth and learning.
3. Students will practice the skills involved in reading, comprehending, and responding to academic writing.
4. By undertaking a research project culminating in a written paper and oral presentation, students will learn to find and analyze primary sources, to formulate an argument, and to present their findings clearly.

Evaluation

Note: We will decide together during the first week of class exactly how much each of the various components of the course will count toward the final grade. The descriptions and weightings below are therefore not definitive and are intended only as an example.