HIST 477 - Culture and Society in Modern Africa

(3 units) CO10, CO11, CO13

Explores the connection between literary texts and cultural forms as related to social change, politics, economics, public health, gender, diaspora and global African communities.

Prerequisite(s): General Education courses (CO1-CO3) completed; at least 3 courses from CO4-CO8 completed; Junior or Senior standing.

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Fall - Odd Years

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. describe the complexity of Africa’s ethnic groups and societies, cultural traditions, differing religious beliefs and practices.
2. analyze the status and experiences of African women across the continent, gender relations, as well as issues of power and resistance.
3. explain how marginalized groups in several African countries have struggled for equality and inclusion.
4. critically examine the colonial experience and understand how global histories have shaped and continue to shape post-colonial Africa.
5. analyze cosmopolitan cultures of cities and understand how African youth use social media and other cultural tools to organize collectively and advocate political and social change on the African continent.
6. interpret, analyze and draw conclusions from primary and secondary sources used in this class, including scholarly articles, novels, movies, music, photographs, and popular media.
7. critically examine colonial and post-colonial theories and synthesize these set of ideas (theories) in order to analyze and understand the complexity of the African continent.
8. write a short essay whose thesis is supported by evidence from an assigned reading.

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