Travel Narratives and African History
HIST 103
Spring 2011 not offered
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| Course Cluster: African Studies |
This first-year seminar examines Arab, European, African, and American travel narratives of Africa. We will focus on five regions and/or nations of the continent: Ghana, Algeria, Swahili Coast, Southern Africa, and Congo-Kinshasa. First, while remaining cognizant of the biases of the authors, we will mine travel accounts for descriptions of local historical contexts during precolonial, colonial, and postcolonial eras. 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, in general. |
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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.
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS HIST |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
Major Readings:
Required Reading:
Caryl Phillips, THE ATLANTIC SOUND
Maya Angelou, ALL GOD'S CHILDREN NEED WALKING SHOES
Isabelle Eberhardt, THE NOMAD: DIARIES OF ISABELLE EBERHARDT
Richard Burton, LAKE REGIONS OF CENTRAL AFRICA
Bessie Head, A WOMAN ALONE
Howard French, A CONTINENT FOR THE TAKING: THE TRAGEDY AND HOPE OF AFRICA
Films:
Chocolat
Lumumba: Death of a Prophet
Wonders of the African World
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Examinations and Assignments:
Short papers, midterm, one group presentation/lead discussion, take-home final. |
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