The African Political Novel

Undergraduate

This course examines the relationship between politics and the novel in Africa. I have selected novels from different parts of Africa. We will approach the selected novels as instruments of political interest and products of political contexts. We will then proceed to put these novels in a triangular conversation with political theorists of Africa and the political philosophies of African leaders. Topics include democracy and governance, clientelism and patrimonialism, failed states, gender, and grassroots activism.