Syllabus for African Studies A

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide basic knowledge in the field of African Studies and its theoretical and methodological points of departure. The course offers an introduction, grounded in the humanities and social sciences, to African societies and countries, including the African diaspora. The course also highlights Afro-Swedish relations, links and contexts. Through the combination of interdisciplinary perspectives, the course provides tools for analysing complex historical and contemporary contexts.

After accomplishing the course, the student is expected to:

• Demonstrate overall knowledge of African societies and countries, including the African diaspora;
• Be able to search for, assess and acquire knowledge and information about Africa;
• Demonstrate the capability to use different tools to analyse complex historical and contemporary knowledge and information about Africa.

Content

Module 1: History, Culture and Society, 7.5 credits

Module 1 provides an overview of Africa's historical, cultural and societal development. Themes like precolonial societies and livelihoods, the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and independence, and postcolonial transformations are described with the help of anthropological, archaeological and historical approaches and insights.

Module 2: Africa in the 2000s, 7.5 credits

Module 2 deals with contemporary African political, economic and cultural contexts. In particular, questions of postcoloniality and globalization, democracy and development are analysed. A particular focus concerns health and wellbeing.

Module 3: African Cultural Expressions and Artistic Creativity, 7.5 credits

Module 3 introduces African cultural expressions and artistic creativity. Traditions from different culture och language areas, as well as social and political movements, are described and compared. A special focus concerns African cinema.

Module 4: Afro-Swedish Relations Past and Present, 7.5 credits

Module 4 offers an orientation of Afro-Swedish relations in the past and the present. The module analyses racism and Afrophobia, culture and cultural creativity, collaborations (research, associations, development cooperation), African role models and stereotypes, migration and diaspora.

Instruction

The teaching is composed of lectures, seminars, group exercises, film screenings and study visits. An active participation is recommended during lectures and mandatory in seminars and group exercises. Students can only get supervision during the ordinary course period.

Assessment

Examination of modules 1, 2, 3 and 4 will take one or several of the following forms: written examination, PM-writing, group work, active participation and oral examination. The student is evaluated with one of the following grades: Pass, Fail, or Pass with Distinction.