WesMaps - Wesleyan University Catalog 2010-2011       Summer Session       Winter Session       Home       Archive       Search
CS92PROD
Travel Narratives and African History

HIST 103
Spring 2011 not offered
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.

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: SeminarGrading Mode: Graded
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: None
Fulfills a Requirement for: None

Last Updated on NOV-02-2024
Contact wesmaps@wesleyan.edu to submit comments or suggestions. Please include a url, course title, faculty name or other page reference in your email ? Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459