African Studies

Courses

AFST 505a, Gateway to Africa  Veronica Waweru and Michael Cappello

This multidisciplinary seminar highlights the study of contemporary Africa through diverse academic disciplines. Each session features a Yale faculty scholar or guest speaker who shares their unique disciplinary perspective and methodological approach to studying Africa. Topics include themes drawn from the humanities, social sciences, and public health, with faculty representing expertise from across Yale’s graduate and professional school departments. The course is intended to introduce graduate students and upper-level undergraduates to the breadth and depth of Yale scholarship on Africa, facilitating the identification of future topics and mentors for thesis or senior paper research. Each weekly seminar focuses on a specific topic or region, and students are exposed to various research methods and techniques in archival research, data collection, and analysis. A specific goal of the course is to impart students with knowledge of how research across diverse disciplines is carried out, as well as to demonstrate innovative methodology, fieldwork procedures, presentation of results, and ethical issues in human subjects research.
Th 3:30pm-5:20pm

AFST 510a, 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.
T 1:30pm-3:20pm

AFST 516b / ANTH 560b, African Migration and Diaspora  Vivian Lu

This seminar examines the politics of migration to, from, and within Africa. We explore intercontinental, regional, and rural-urban migratory circuits and diasporic formations to consider mobility and immobility in relation to race, colonialism, capitalism, neoliberalism, and globalization. Drawing on sources ranging from colonial travel accounts and trade diaspora histories to black critical theory and fiction, we examine theorizations and representations both about migration and by diasporic peoples to unsettle and retheorize imaginaries of globalization, nationalism, and the politics of belonging.
T 9:25am-11:15am

AFST 558b, Memoir in Africa: Life Writing and the Construction of Continent  Meredith Shepard

From colonial diaries to activist autobiographies and child soldier memoirs, life writing has played an outsize role in constructing and exporting images of the African continent. And yet the memoir genre remains understudied in many discussions of African literature. This seminar examines life writing by native Africans as well as settlers and visitors. Their works are grouped throughout the syllabus into five themes—colonialism, childhood, abduction, activism, and homecoming—that together probe the tensions among competing representations of a continent that is often spoken of as a country. Primary readings include life writing by David Livingstone, Isak Dinesen, Alexandra Fuller, Zoë Wicomb, Binyavanga Wainaina, Olaudah Equiano, Ishmael Beah, Juliane Okot Bitek, Nelson Mandela, Trevor Noah, Saidiya Hartman, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Chris Abani, and Teju Cole. Secondary readings include a range of theoretical writings by early anticolonial intellectuals and contemporary scholars. In addition to traditional academic writing, students also have the opportunity to experiment with their own life writing about their encounters with Africa and/or its representations.
T 3:30pm-5:20pm

AFST 567a / PLSC 798a, Bureaucracy in Africa: Revolution, Genocide, and Apartheid  Jonathan Steinberg

A study of three major episodes in modern African history characterized by ambitious projects of bureaucratically driven change—apartheid and its aftermath, Rwanda’s genocide and post-genocide reconstruction, and Ethiopia’s revolution and its long aftermath. Examination of Weber’s theory bureaucracy, Scott’s thesis on high modernism, Bierschenk’s attempts to place African states in global bureaucratic history. Overarching theme is the place of bureaucratic ambitions and capacities in shaping African trajectories.
Th 1:30pm-3:20pm

AFST 570b, Foreign Assistance to Sub-Saharan Africa: Archival Data Analysis  Russell Barbour

This course reviews the many years of U.S. development assistance to Africa using archival data from the Agency for International Development (USAID), nonprofit organizations, and specialized agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and nineteen U.S. government agencies involved in development assistance to Africa. Students analyze the effectiveness, perception, and shifting development paradigms of such assistance, looking at four specific areas: agriculture, water and sanitation, child survival, and refugee relief. Advanced text-mining analysis in the R package tm and web-scraping algorithms in Python are applied to both archival and current data to enhance analysis.
TTh 2:30pm-3:45pm

AFST 613b / LING 613b, Hybrid Grammars: Dynamics of Language Contact, Language Acquisition, and Language Change  Enoch Aboh

Traditional approaches to language acquisition and change have typically assumed that children develop a mental grammar that replicates uniformly the linguistic knowledge of the current members of their monolingual speech communities. Therefore, language change must result from external factors: language contact involving a cohort of L2-learners. Likewise, multilingualism, thus language contact, is commonly assumed to hinder acquisition, and presupposed “intense” contact situations are regarded as propitious for creolization. This course proposes a shift of perspective, focusing on multiple-variety ecologies such as creole societies in which speakers-listeners can acquire, alternate between, and sometimes “mix” different languages, dialects, or registers. Two major questions are addressed: (1) How does acquisition proceed in such multiple-variety ecologies? (2) What does a theory of the multilingual mind tell us about acquisition of L1 and the emergence of grammars? The descriptive and theoretical framework adopted is that of hybrid grammars as developed in Aboh (2015). Prerequisite: familiarity with syntax and linguistic variation.
TTh 1pm-2:15pm

AFST 639a / ANTH 639a, Africa, Politics, Anthropology  Louisa Lombard

A historical-anthropological study of politics in Africa. How have anthropologists made sense of the workings of African politics, both those of state and nonstate actors? This course charts how African states came into being, how they operate, and how state agents and the people they govern negotiate legitimacy, authority, and belonging.
W 1:30pm-3:20pm

AFST 680b, Nigeria and Its Diaspora  Oluseye Adesola

Nigerians in the modern diaspora, both those who endured forced migration and those who migrated voluntarily. Specific reference to the Igbos and the Yorùbás. The preservation and maintenance of Nigerian culture, history, dance, literature, traditional education, theater, politics, art, music, film, religion, and folklore, especially in African American and Nigerian American contexts.
TTh 1pm-2:15pm

AFST 681b / LING 681b, Comparative Syntax: A View from Kwa (Niger-Congo)  Enoch Aboh

This course adopts a microcomparative perspective by looking at closely related languages (i.e., Gbe and Kwa families of Niger-Congo) as well as a macrocomparative perspective that situates these languages in the larger context of typologically and genetically unrelated languages (e.g., Romance, Germanic). We set the stage by first looking at word formation, word classes, and the role of tones at the morphosyntactic level. Building on this, the first part of the course discusses topics such as Tense, Mood, Aspect (TMA) expressions, word order variation (e.g., VO vs. OV patterns), serial verb constructions, restructuring, and the notion of “light verb.” These topics allow us to establish a profile of the clause structure in these languages. With this knowledge at hand, the second part of the course addresses the question of information structure and the commonly assumed parallelism between the CP and DP domains. The descriptive framework adopted is the cartographic approach developed by Rizzi (1997), Cinque (1999), Aboh (2004), and much related work. Prerequisite: some background in syntax.
TTh 4pm-5:15pm

AFST 715a / GLBL 715a, Economic and Trade Challenges and Opportunities in Southern Africa  Harry Thomas

How can the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states (Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) achieve sustainable economic development and integrate trade? In this course, we discuss structural and institutional challenges to sustainable economic development and trade and how SADC can overcome these obstacles. We examine SADC in comparative perspective. Students research the critical issues in SADC politics and governance that prevent improved economic output. This course also highlights the economic and trade successes SADC has experienced.
Th 1:30pm-3:20pm

AFST 800b / AFAM 805b / FILM 754b, Novel, Film, and History in French Africa  Christopher Miller

African history as represented in historiography, novels, and films. Limited to French and Francophone Africa. Themes include empire and epic; orality and literacy; the slave trade; contact, conquest, and resistance; the Congo Free State; the role of colonial intermediaries; the two world wars; decolonization and neocolonialism; and the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
Th 1:30pm-3:20pm

AFST 832a / HIST 832a, Methods and Practices in African History  Daniel Magaziner

This course provides a survey of African historical methods, considering topics from the use of historical linguistics and oral tradition to creative archival and narrative methodologies. We read monographs and other scholarly works, including classics in the discipline and new methodologically innovative studies. Students produce a substantive historiographical essay as well as a detailed analysis of a primary source of their choosing.
W 1:30pm-3:20pm

AFST 839a / HIST 839a, Environmental History of Africa  Robert Harms

An examination of the interaction between people and their environment in Africa and the ways in which this interaction has affected or shaped the course of African history.
W 9:25am-11:15am

AFST 840b / HIST 840b, Colonialism in Africa  Robert Harms

Discussion of the theory and practices of colonialism in Africa. Topics include the motives for European expansion, the scramble for Africa, early colonialism, direct and indirect rule, “colonization of the mind,” the colonial state, the developmental state, late colonialism, and paths to decolonization.
W 9:25am-11:15am

AFST 885b / CPLT 735b / FREN 885b, Modern French Poetry in the Maghreb  Thomas Connolly

A survey of twentieth- and twenty-first-century poetry written in French by authors from North Africa, including works by Amrouche, Sénac, Khaïr-Eddine, Laâbi, Nissaboury, Djaout, Jabès, Farès, Ben Jelloun, Meddeb, Acherchour, Negrouche, Dib, and Bekri. Readings in French, discussion in English. Prerequisite: reading knowledge of French.
M 1:30pm-3:20pm

AFST 951a or b, Directed Reading and Research  Staff

By arrangement with faculty.
HTBA

AFST 969a / CPLT 985a / FREN 969a, Islands, Oceans, Deserts  Jill Jarvis

This seminar brings together literary and theoretical works that chart planetary relations and connections beyond the paradigm of francophonie. Comparative focus on the poetics and politics of spaces shaped by intersecting routes of colonization and forced migrations: islands (Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Martinique), oceans (Indian, Mediterranean, Atlantic), and deserts (Sahara, Sonoran). Prerequisite: reading knowledge of French; knowledge of Arabic and Spanish invited. Conducted in English.
W 3:30pm-5:20pm

SWAH 610a, 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. Credit only on completion of SWAH 620.
MTWThF 9:25am-10:15am

SWAH 620b, Beginning Kiswahili II  Kiarie Wa'Njogu

Continuation of SWAH 610. Texts provide an introduction to the basic structure of Kiswahili and to the culture of the speakers of the language. Prerequisite: SWAH 610.
MTWThF 9:25am-10:15am

SWAH 630a, Intermediate Kiswahili I  Veronica Waweru

Further development of 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. Prerequisite: SWAH 620.
MTWThF 11:35am-12:25pm

SWAH 640b, Intermediate Kiswahili II  Veronica Waweru

Continuation of SWAH 630.
MTWThF 11:35am-12:25pm

SWAH 650a, 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. Prerequisite: SWAH 640.
MW 11:35am-12:50pm

SWAH 660b, Advanced Kiswahili II  Kiarie Wa'Njogu

Continuation of SWAH 650.
MW 11:35am-12:50pm

SWAH 670b, Topics in Kiswahili Literature  Kiarie Wa'Njogu

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

YORU 610a, 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. Credit only on completion of YORU 620.
MTWThF 10:30am-11:20am

YORU 620b, Beginning Yorùbá II  Oluseye Adesola

Continuing practice in using and recognizing tone through dialogues. More emphasis is placed on simple cultural texts and role playing. Prerequisite: YORU 610.
MTWThF 10:30am-11:20am

YORU 630a, Intermediate Yorùbá I  Oluseye Adesola

Refinement of 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. Prerequisite: YORU 620.
MTWThF 11:35am-12:25pm

YORU 640b, Intermediate Yorùbá II  Oluseye Adesola

Students are exposed to more idiomatic use of the language in a variety of interactions, including occupational, social, religious, and educational. Cultural documents include literary and nonliterary texts. Prerequisite: YORU 630.
MTWThF 11:35am-12:25pm

YORU 650a, Advanced Yorùbá I  Oluseye Adesola

An advanced course intended to improve aural and reading comprehension as well as speaking and writing skills. Emphasis is 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 video movies and recorded poems (ewì); and music. Prerequisite: YORU 640.
MW 1pm-2:15pm

YORU 660b, Advanced Yorùbá II  Oluseye Adesola

Continuing development of aural and reading comprehension, and speaking and writing skills, with emphasis on idiomatic usage and stylistic nuance. Study materials are selected to reflect research interests of the students. Prerequisite: YORU 650.
MW 1pm-2:15pm

YORU 670a, Topics in Yorùbá Literature and Culture  Oluseye Adesola

The course provides students with the opportunity to acquire Yorùbá up to the superior level. It is designed to give an in-depth discussion on advanced readings on Yorùbá literature and culture. It focuses on Yorùbá history, poetry, novels, dramas, and oral folklore. It also seeks to uncover the basics of the Yorùbá culture in communities where Yorùbá is spoken across the globe, with particular emphasis on Nigeria. It examines movies, texts, and written literature to gain insight into the Yorùbá philosophy and ways of life.
MW 2:30pm-3:45pm

YORU 672b, Topics in YorubaLit&Culture II  Oluseye Adesola

MW 2:30pm-3:45pm

YORU 680a, Advanced Topics in Yorùbá Literature and Culture  Oluseye Adesola

A course for students with advanced proficiency in Yorùbá who are interested in discussion and research in Yorùbá at a level not covered by existing courses. A term paper or its equivalent is required.
TTh 2:30pm-3:45pm

ZULU 610a, Beginning isiZulu I  Sandra Sanneh