South Africa since 1990

South Africa transformed after 1990, but the past remains powerful. This seminar explores the endurance and erosion of the apartheid legacy, as expressed in historical and fictional narratives. We begin with transition to majority rule and continue with the administrations of Mandela, Mbeki, and Zuma, connecting the formative histories of these leaders with the changing dynamic of politics. We end with narratives about the ways that ordinary people experienced new times. The syllabus includes scholarly works in history and politics, biography, fiction and film. Two short writing assignments and a major research paper. Enrollment limited to 20 juniors and seniors.