Travel Narratives and African History
HIST 103
Fall 2009 not offered
|
| Course Cluster: African Studies |
This first-year seminar examines Arab, European, African, and American travel narratives about various regions of Africa dating back to the 14th century. First, while remaining cognizant of the biases of the authors, we will mine travel accounts for descriptions of local contexts. Second, we will explore what travel writing says about the author's perception of self, home, and "other." Ultimately, we will determine how the image of travel in Africa influences both our perceptions of Africa and the writing of African history. |
|
Essential Capabilities:
Intercultural Literacy, Writing
The course materials introduce African cultures and societies through primary sources, film, and novels.
Several short and medium length writing assignments over the course of the semester provide students with an opportunity to practice and improve their writing style.
|
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS HIST |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
|
Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
Major Readings:
Tentative list of readings:
Said Hamdun and Noel King, IBN BATUTA IN BLACK AFRICA
Caryl Phillips, THE ATLANTIC SOUND
Isabelle Eberhardt, THE NOMAD: DIARIES OF ISABELLE EBERHARDT
Mary Kingsley, TRAVELS IN WEST AFRICA
Jan Vansina, LIVING WITH AFRICA
Maya Angelou, ALL GOD'S CHILDREN NEED WALKING SHOES
Ama Ata Aidoo, OUR SISTER KILLJOY
Philip Gourevitch, WE WISH TO INFORM YOU THAT TOMORROW WE WILL BE KILLED WITH OUR FAMILIES
Films may include: Out of Africa, Chocolat, Wonders of the African World
|
Examinations and Assignments:
Short papers, midterm, final, group oral presentation |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
|
|