Art and Power in Africa

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

Throughout African history, artworks have played an important role in the construction and contestation of state power. Our course examines this relationship by surveying the artistic programs of a diverse range of pre-colonial states and societies. Drawing from readings in political theory and African art history, students will learn to closely examine individual artworks—their formal details, their circumstances of production, their histories of use and re-use—and construct a picture of political relationships. Although a background in either African studies or art history is helpful, it is by no means required. For more information about this and other courses in the Department of Art and Art History, please visit https://art.georgetown.edu