African Studies (B.A.)

Courses

* AFST 001b / ARCG 001b / NELC 001b, Egypt and Northeast Africa: A Multidisciplinary Approach  John Darnell

An introduction to Egyptology, examining approximately 10,000 years of Nile Valley cultural records and 3,000 years of Egyptian history. The course presents an overview of the historical and archaeological study of Egypt and her southern neighbor Nubia. Various original written and visual sources are used, including the collections of the Peabody Museum and the Yale Art Gallery, with some material accessible in the classroom. Students gain a basic understanding of the hieroglyphic script and the Ancient Egyptian language, and are able to read some inscriptions in museum visits at the end of the course. Enrollment limited to first-year students. Preregistration required; see under First-Year Seminar Program.  WR, HU
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

* AFST 028b / ENGL 028b / LITR 025b, African Literature in the World  Cajetan Iheka

This seminar introduces students to a subset of African literature that has entered the canon of world literature. Bookended by the writings of Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Adichie, we explore the marks of regional specificity in these works and how they transcend local geographical markers to become worldly artifacts. Our considerations include why certain texts cross the boundaries of nation and region while others remain confined within territorial bounds. We also examine advantages of the global circulation of African literary works and the pitfalls of a global readership. The class moves from an introductory unit that orients students to African and world literature to focus on close reading of primary texts informed by historical and theoretical nuances. From analyzing works responding to the colonial condition and the articulation of anticolonial sensibilities, to those narrating the African nation at independence and the postcolonial disillusionment that followed, the seminar attends to the formal and thematic implications of globalization for African literary writing. Authors include Chinua Achebe, Mariama Ba, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Mbolo Mbue, NoViolet Bulawayo, Taiye Selasie, and Chimamanda Adichie.  WR, HU
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

* AFST 128a / ARCG 128a / EGYP 128a / RLST 251a, Magic and Ritual in Ancient Egypt  John Darnell

Introduction to ancient Egyptian magic and rituals with an overview on the use of magic and discussion of the different rituals and festivals attested in Ancient Egypt.  HU
T 1:30pm-3:20pm

* AFST 135b / PLSC 135b, Media and Conflict  Graeme Wood

The theory and practice of reporting on international conflict and war, and its relation to political discourse in the United States and abroad. Materials include case studies of media coverage of war in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
HTBA

* AFST 160a / ER&M 426a, What is the Global South? Africa in the World  Vivian Lu

This course explores how history, culture, and power shape our conceptualization of the world and its peoples. By critically examining how social categories—such as culture, religion, race, economy, and ideology—have been mapped onto different parts of the world, the course traces how legacies of colonialism and imperialism in Africa continue to inform contemporary perspectives of economic development, geopolitics, and globalization. Students consider the history of world categorizations through the perspectives of the people who mobilized to transform them, from anti-colonial fighters and postcolonial scholars to the Third World solidarity movement and contemporary African activists and artists.  SO
M 1:30pm-3:20pm

AFST 184a / AFAM 160a / AMST 160a / HIST 184a, The Rise and Fall of Atlantic Slavery  Edward Rugemer

The history of peoples of African descent throughout the Americas, from the first African American societies of the sixteenth century through the century-long process of emancipation.  HU
TTh 1:30pm-2:20pm

AFST 208b / AFAM 184b / HSAR 208b, African Arts and Expressive Cultures  Cecile Fromont

This course is an introduction to the arts and expressive cultures of a selection of regions from the African continent, and the Americas. Lectures, readings, and discussions explore the relationship between art and leadership, religion, society, and history on the continent and within African diasporic communities in the Americas. Class meetings and assignments make use of the distinguished collection of African objects at the Yale University Art Gallery.  HU
MW 1:30pm-2:20pm

* AFST 234a / EP&E 234a, Market Liberalism, Socialist Planning, and Ideas of Development  Nicoli Nattrass

Exploration of market liberalism, socialist planning, and contestation over the role of the state in the idea of development. Study of key classical economists; Marxism and Utopian socialism; how collectivisation was applied in the Soviet Union and in the African context; and discussion of the rise of development economics, highlighting the work of W. Arthur Lewis and Amartya Sen. Prerequisite: ECON 110 or 115, or permission of the instructor.  SO
Th 1:30pm-3:20pm

AFST 238a / AFAM 192a / AMST 238a / ER&M 238a, Introduction to Third World Studies  Gary Okihiro

Introduction to the historical and contemporary theories and articulations of Third World studies (comparative ethnic studies) as an academic field and practice. Consideration of subject matters; methodologies and theories; literatures; and practitioners and institutional arrangements.  SO
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

* AFST 250a, African Reconciliation Narratives  Meredith Shepard

This course focuses on the literary and visual cultural productions that took shape around national efforts at reconciliation in three African contexts: post-apartheid South Africa, post-genocide Rwanda, and post-civil war Nigeria. These disparate case studies examine the impact on cultural productions of differing judicial and political formations, as well as the role that literature and film have played in shaping reconciliation law and policy. Our primary readings include novels, memoir, theater, and film, in addition to legal documents from reconciliatory justice systems. Our secondary readings include theories of reconciliation from the fields of law, political science, and cultural studies.  HU
W 1:30pm-3:20pm

AFST 272b / ANTH 272b / ARCG 272b, African Prehistory  Jessica Thompson and Roderick McIntosh

Survey of archaeological evidence for the original contributions of the African continent to the human condition. The unresolved issues of African prehistory, from the time of the first hominids, through development of food production and metallurgy, to the rise of states and cities.  SO
MW 2:30pm-3:45pm

* AFST 295a / ENGL 295a / LITR 461a, Postcolonial Ecologies  Staff

This seminar examines the intersections of postcolonialism and ecocriticism as well as the tensions between these conceptual nodes, with readings drawn from across the global South. Topics of discussion include colonialism, development, resource extraction, globalization, ecological degradation, nonhuman agency, and indigenous cosmologies. The course is concerned with the narrative strategies affording the illumination of environmental ideas. We begin by engaging with the questions of postcolonial and world literature and return to these throughout the semester as we read the primary texts, drawn from Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia. We consider African ecologies in their complexity from colonial through post-colonial times. In the unit on the Caribbean, we take up the transformations of the landscape from slavery, through colonialism, and the contemporary era. Turning to Asian spaces, the seminar explores changes brought about by modernity and globalization as well as the effects on both humans and nonhumans. Readings include the writings of Zakes Mda, Aminatta Forna, Helon Habila, Derek Walcott, Jamaica Kincaid, Ishimure Michiko, and Amitav Ghosh.  WR, HU
MW 1pm-2:15pm

* AFST 306a / GLBL 306a, Social Enterprise in Developing Economies II  Robert Hopkins

Summer research developed into a case-study project on a topic related to the use of social enterprise in regional economic development. GLBL 305
T 1:30pm-3:20pm

AFST 333a / HIST 332a, African Encounters with Colonialism  Daniel Magaziner

How African societies and peoples encountered, engaged, and endured the colonial and postcolonial world, from the arrival of Kiswahili-speaking traders at the shores of Lake Victoria in the 1840s through the rise and fall of European colonialism and the resulting forms of neocolonialism. Transformations and continuities in African religious life; gendered sociability; popular culture.  HU
MW 11:35am-12:50pm

AFST 335a or b / ER&M 325a or b / HIST 335a or b, A History of South Africa  Daniel Magaziner

An introduction to the history of southern Africa, especially South Africa. Indigenous communities; early colonial contact; the legacies of colonial rule; postcolonial mismanagement; the vagaries of the environment; the mineral revolution; segregationist regimes; persistent inequality and crime since the end of apartheid; the specter of AIDS; postcolonial challenges in Zimbabwe, Angola, and Mozambique.  HU
HTBA

AFST 340b / HIST 340b, Africa in the Era of the Slave Trade  Robert Harms

Examination of the tumultuous changes experienced by African societies during the era of the Atlantic slave trade, approximately 1450–1850. Focus on the complex interaction between the internal dynamics of African societies and the impact of outside forces.  HU
TTh 9:25am-10:15am

AFST 381b / PLSC 381b, Government and Politics in Africa  Katharine Baldwin

The establishment and use of political power in selected countries of tropical Africa. The political role of ethnic and class cleavages, military coups, and the relation between politics and economic development.  SO
HTBA

* AFST 400a / EP&E 499a / PLSC 401a, Democratic Politics and Public Policy in Contemporary Africa  Jeremy Seekings

Examination of how the resurgence of competitive, multi-party elections in Africa has reinfused democratic governance and transformed the process of public policy-making. Emphasis on the political landscape of public opinion and voting behavior; elections and political parties; the state and governance; as well as policy-making, with focus on economic and social policies.  SO
W 1:30pm-3:20pm

* AFST 435a / THST 335a, West African Dance: Traditional to Contemporary  Lacina Coulibaly

A practical and theoretical study of the traditional dances of Africa, focusing on those of Burkina Faso and their contemporary manifestations. Emphasis on rhythm, kinesthetic form, and gestural expression. The fusion of modern European dance and traditional African dance. Admission by audition during the first class meeting.  HU  RP
TTh 10:30am-12:20pm

* AFST 491b, The Senior Essay  Daniel Magaziner

Independent research on the senior essay. By the end of the sixth week of classes, a rough draft of the entire essay should be completed. By the end of the last week of classes (fall term) or three weeks before the end of classes (spring term), two copies of the final essay must be submitted.
HTBA

SWAH 110a, Beginning Kiswahili I  Kiarie Wa'Njogu

A beginning course with intensive training and practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Initial emphasis is on the spoken language and conversation.  L1  1½ Course cr
MTWThF 9:25am-10:15am

SWAH 130a, Intermediate Kiswahili I  Veronica Waweru

Further development of students' speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Prepares students for further work in literary, language, and cultural studies as well as for a functional use of Kiswahili. Study of structure and vocabulary is based on a variety of texts from traditional and popular culture. Emphasis on command of idiomatic usage and stylistic nuance. After SWAH 120.  L3  1½ Course cr
MTWThF 11:35am-12:25pm

SWAH 150a, Advanced Kiswahili I  Kiarie Wa'Njogu

Development of fluency through readings and discussions on contemporary issues in Kiswahili. Introduction to literary criticism in Kiswahili. Materials include Kiswahili oral literature, prose, poetry, and plays, as well as texts drawn from popular and political culture. After SWAH 140.  L5
MW 11:35am-12:50pm

SWAH 170a, Topics in Kiswahili Literature  Kiarie Wa'Njogu

Advanced readings and discussion with emphasis on literary and historical texts. Reading assignments include materials on Kiswahili poetry, Kiswahili dialects, and the history of the language. After SWAH 160.  L5, HU
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

TWI 110a, Beginning Twi I  Staff

This course is an introduction to the basic structure of Twi and the culture of the Akan-Twi-speaking people. Students are introduced to basic grammar and communicative skills and develop familiarity with cultural activities, through role play, conversations, dialogues, and songs. Students acquire basic grammar competence and are able to use appropriate expressions for everyday situations with an understanding and appreciation of the culture of the Akan people in Ghana, West Africa. In addition to Asante Twi, students are exposed to Akuapem Twi and Fante. Course taught through distance learning using videoconferencing technology from Columbia University. Enrollment limited; interested students should e-mail for more information.  L1  RP  1½ Course cr
HTBA

YORU 110a, Beginning Yorùbá I  Oluseye Adesola

Training and practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Initial emphasis is on the spoken aspect, with special attention to unfamiliar consonantal sounds, nasal vowels, and tone, using isolated phrases, set conversational pieces, and simple dialogues. Multimedia materials provide audio practice and cultural information.  L1  1½ Course cr
MTWThF 10:30am-11:20am

YORU 130a, Intermediate Yorùbá I  Oluseye Adesola

Refinement of students' speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. More natural texts are provided to prepare students for work in literary, language, and cultural studies as well as for a functional use of Yorùbá. After YORU 120.  L3  1½ Course cr
MTWThF 11:35am-12:25pm

YORU 150a, Advanced Yorùbá I  Oluseye Adesola

An advanced course intended to improve students' aural and reading comprehension as well as speaking and writing skills. Emphasis on acquiring a command of idiomatic usage and stylistic nuance. Study materials include literary and nonliterary texts; social, political, and popular entertainment media such as movies and recorded poems (ewì); and music. After YORU 140.  L5
MW 1pm-2:15pm

YORU 170a, Topics in Yorùbá Literature and Culture  Oluseye Adesola

Advanced readings and discussion concerning Yorùbá literature and culture. Focus on Yorùbá history, poetry, novels, movies, dramas, and oral folklore, especially from Nigeria. Insight into Yorùbá philosophy and ways of life. Prerequisite: YORU 160.  L5, HU
MW 2:30pm-3:45pm

* WLOF 110a, Elementary Wolof I  Staff

Introduction to the basic sentence structure and other fundamentals of the Wolof language, with attention to the development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Exercises based on major cultural aspects of traditional and modern Senegalese society. Course taught through distance learning using videoconferencing technology from Columbia University. Enrollment limited; interested students should e-mail for more information.  L1  RP  1½ Course cr
MTWTh 12:10pm-1pm

* WLOF 120b, Elementary Wolof II  Staff

Continuation of WLOF 110. Further development of proficiency in the language through communicative methods and the use of authentic learning materials. Prerequisite: WLOF 110 or equivalent. Course taught through distance learning using videoconferencing technology from Columbia University. Enrollment limited; interested students should e-mail for more information.  L2  RP  1½ Course cr
MTWTh 12:10pm-1pm

* WLOF 130a, Intermediate Wolof I  Staff

This course will further your awareness and understanding of the Wolof language and culture, as well as improve your mastery of grammar, writing skills, and oral skills. Course materials will incorporate various types of text including tales, cartoons, as well as multimedia such as films, videos, and audio recordings. Wolof 120, or equivalent  L3  RP  1½ Course cr
MW 2:30pm-3:45pm

WLOF 140b, Intermediate Wolof Language II  Staff