AFR 377(S)(formerly 404) Imagining Africa: The Politics of Representation (Same as Comparative Literature 347 and English 348) (W)*
This course will examine cultural representations of Africa in an effort to sharpen critical thinking and interpretive skills. Taking"Africa" as our focal point, we will collectively consider key questions about representations: Who has the authority to define an "object" (i.e., Africa or Africans), and how is that authority conferred? What motivates particular images and, more importantly, what are their effects? What role do particular assumptions or constructions of race play in shaping culture? What is the relationship between a"simple" book or image and "the real world"? And what, finally, does it mean to make claims about an entire continent? Our primary source material may include travel narratives, novels, journalism, and films that variously represent Africa. Along with some theoretical essays on representation (including some by Stuart Hall, Roland Barthes, and W.J.T. Mitchell), primary texts may include Conrad's Heart of Darkness, Achebe's Things Fall Apart, Dangarembga's Nervous Conditions, The Gods Must Be Crazy, Out of Africa, Guelwaar, Nightline's report "Heart of Darkness," the documentary Amandla!, and photographs of Darfur. Class will consist of lively class discussions and revision workshops.
Format: seminar. Assignments will include regular one-page writing assignments, one final project, and two formal essays. Enrollment limit: 16 (expected: 16). Preference given to Africana Studies concentrators. This course is part of the Critical Reasoning and Analytical Skills initiative.
Hour: ROBOLIN