AFST - African Studies

A survey of the important issues in the African experience. Topics could include the justification for African studies, history, economic development, political systems, social systems, the position of women, literature, religion and world view, art, health, Africa's place in the world, and the environment. This course may be used to fulfill one of the three required global perspectives overlay requirements.

Prerequisite: Permission of department. Consideration of topics in which courses are not otherwise offered, but for which there is a current need at the freshman/sophomore level.

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.

A detailed study of a selected African country paying attention to issues such as history, political organization, literature, art, social systems, religion, position of women, economic development and agriculture, education, health, and the environment. This will be a research course done by independent study, with the coordinator of African Studies serving as supervisor, though another faculty member with expertise in the field may be appointed. In consultation with the coordinator the student may decide to focus research on a major issue or a few major issues. A student can also fulfill the requirements of the African Country Project by preparing for and attending one South Eastern Model of the African Union.

Prerequisite: ENGL 2110 or IDST 2305, or permission of the instructor. An in-depth study of African literature, with attention to its social, political, historical, cultural, and economic backgrounds. Attention will be paid to the historical development of African literature and aesthetics, and the differences and continuities between Anglophone and Francophone literatures. This course is equivalent to ENGL 4451; students may not receive credit for both courses. This course may be used to fulfill one of the three required global perspectives overlay requirements.

Prerequisite: ENGL 2110 or IDST 2305. This course deals with African woman writers' preoccupation with the condition of African womanhood. It will look at these writers' treatment of issues like motherhood, polygamy, marriage, changing roles, the exploitation of women, the education of women, women in politics, and women and tradition. This course is equivalent to ENGL 4452; students may not receive credit for both courses. This course may be used to fulfill one of the three required global perspectives overlay requirements.

An examination of the diverse political systems and regions of contemporary Africa, stressing the historical, governmental, economic and cultural factors essential to an understanding of the African continent. This course is equivalent to POLS 4541; students may not receive credit for both courses.

An introduction to the arts and material culture of sub-Saharan Africa from ancient times to the present. Emphasis on relationship of art forms to social and cultural contexts. This course is equivalent to ARTS 4845 and BLST 4845; students may only receive credit for one of these courses.

This course meets special needs of students and/or the community. Approval of the department chairperson is required prior to registration. This course is repeatable for credit.