This course provides an introduction to the social, cultural, political,
economic and geographic diversity of the African continent. Students
will become familiar with a wide range of disciplinary perspectives to
the study of historical and contemporary Africa. The course is recommended
for anyone interested in Africa – especially if you are considering
further study of, or travel to, Africa. Numerous University of Oregon
faculty with expertise on Africa will participate, including faculty from
History,
Geography, Anthropology, English, Romance Languages, Law, Linguistics,
Journalism, Dance, and the Office of International Education and
Exchange. Additional topics will be addressed via videos, films,
short novels, and a short paper.
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REQUIRED READING. There is one main text for the course. Additional small novels and articles will be assigned throughout the course.
1. Items available in the UO Bookstore are:
GRADING. Attendance (20%), paper (30%), midterm (20%), final (30%): FINAL Exam Scores HERE2. Assigned web-reading & reserve items (some TBA)Martin, Phyllis and Patrick O'Meara (eds.) 1995. Africa, 3rd edition. Bloomington: Indiana University Press. Achebe, Chinua. 1967/1989. Arrow of God. New York: Anchor Doubleday. Beti, Mongo. The Poor Christ of Bomba. Heinemann.
| Week 1
April 3 April 5 |
Introduction: Prehistory & diversity
Introduction: Course overview / prehistory & diversity African language features & ancient kingdoms Reading: Africa Ch 1, 2, 3 |
Doris Payne, Linguistics |
| Week 2
April 10 April 12 |
Ancient kingdoms & ethnic groups
Primate-plant ecology in African forests Slavery & colonialism Reading: Africa Ch 4, 6, 7, 8 |
Joanna Lambert, Anthropology
Doris Payne, Linguistics |
| Week 3
April 17 April 19 |
Historical & social development
Ethnic groups of Africa Families & farms in rural Mali Reading: Africa 9, 10, 11, 16 (skim) |
Payne/video: Pokot, Dogon etc. grps
Stephen Wooten, Anthropology |
| Week 4
April 24 April 26
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Historical development, cont
Christianity in Africa Anglophone African literature Reading: Some TBA; Africa 5, 14 (skim), 15 Arrow of God |
George Sheridan, History
Olakunle George, English |
| Week 5
May 1 May 3
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Anglophone literature / culture
Anglophone literature, cont. MIDTERM (including geography section) KOFI AGAWU - MUSIC LECTURE: May 3, 4:00 Gerlinger Lounge |
Olakunle George, English
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| Week 6
May 8 May 10 |
Francaphone literature; Development
Francaphone African literature Debt relief in Africa Reading: The Poor Christ of Bomba |
Andre Djiffack, Romance Languages
Peter Walker, Geography |
| Week 7
May 15 May 17 |
Post-colonial development & human rights
Communication & culture/development * PAPER TOPIC DUE (1 paragraph) * EXTRA CREDIT REPORT Human rights Reading: Africa 17, 18, 21, 8 (rev) |
Leslie Steeves, Journalism
Ibrahim Gassama,Law |
| Week 8
May 22 May 24
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Current issues
Education and development Tourism & national parks Reading: Africa 19, 20 Education Sector Policy Paper |
Anne Williams, OIEE & Int. Resource Center
Greg Ringer, PPPM & International Studies |
| Week 9
May 29 May 31
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Current issues, cont.
Health - overview of issues Health, development, & social impact * PAPER DUE Reading: Malaria & HIV/AIDS web links |
Anne Williams, OIEE & Int. Resource Center |
| Week 10
June 5
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For further study…
Dance: Meet at 350 Gerlinger Annex.
Wear something you
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Rita Honka/Jennifer Craig, Dance
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| June 8 | Africa studies opportunities / Course review
Reading: Africa 12, 13 (skim) |
Poole/Surendra, OIEE |
| Week 11 | FINAL EXAM: 13:00 (1:00 p.m.) Thursday, June 14 |
