3000

A course dealing with the physical, cultural, political, and social geography of Africa. This course is equivalent to GEOG 3500; students may not receive credit for both courses.

This course is designed to introduce students to fundamental concepts of African world view and to see how the traditional educational system in Africa relies on these concepts. Students will become aware of the essential role of symbolism in the African cultures, and will focus on the notion of multiple meanings for each symbol and each experience in African culture. Students will also be introduced to the changes in African culture as the European educational system (a result of colonialism) began to dominate the formative years of children in Africa. Students will learn about the problems that occur when a very different world view is juxtaposed onto a traditional world view. Students should exit the course with an enhanced understanding of the foundations of traditional African culture and how subsequent generations of colonialism, and then independence, have altered that world view.

This course will introduce students to issues, ideas, personalities, styles and important works of the African musical experience. The primary focus will be on music of Western Africa. Music of other areas will be briefly included. The course will also trace the influences of African music on American music in the form of African American folk songs. Hands-on skills will be included during classroom playing of African instruments. Some concert attendance requirements may be included if available.