First Year Seminar: Contextualizing Contemporary Africa

3 units

Africa is typically presented as a continent in constant turmoil in the U.S. and international media present. This freshmen seminar challenges this simplistic and common myth by exploring the historical and global roots of key issues facing contemporary Africa. Case studies include the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, post-apartheid violence in South Africa, HIV/AIDS in Africa, oil and corruption in Nigeria, the legacy of colonialism, the quest for modernity, refugees and forced migration, and commercial sex work. In each of these cases students will explore how the issue emerged within a specific historical, social, and global context. We investigate the implications of various forms of inequalities (e.g., between the global north and global south, within Africa, and among generations and genders) in shaping each topic and how differently situated people within Africa understand, respond to, and cope with everyday realities. Readings will include anthropological and historical analysis, African literature, journalist's accounts, and popular articles. By the end of the course, students should be able to critically assess the value of using a contextual analysis in understanding problems in contemporary Africa. This class is a discussion-based seminar and students are expected to actively participate. Students will be graded on a series of analytical essays, a final project, and in-class participation.