African Studies A, 30 credits

About the course

This course provides basic knowledge in the field of African studies and its theoretical and methodological points of departure. The course offers an introduction, grounded in the humanities and social sciences, to African societies and countries, including the African diaspora. The course also highlights Afro-Swedish relations, links and contexts. Through a combination of interdisciplinary perspectives, the course provides tools for analysing complex historical and contemporary contexts.

Module 1 provides an overview of Africa's historical, cultural and societal development. Themes like pre-colonial societies and livelihoods, the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism and independence, and postcolonial transformations are described with the help of anthropological, archaeological and historical approaches and insights.

Module 2 deals with contemporary African political, economic and cultural contexts. In particular, questions of postcolonialism and globalisation, democracy and development are analysed. A particular focus concerns health and well-being.

Module 3 introduces African cultural expressions and artistic creativity. Traditions from different cultures och language areas, as well as social and political movements, are described and compared. A special focus concerns African cinema.

Module 4 offers an orientation of Afro-Swedish relations in the past and the present. The module analyses racism and afrophobia, culture and cultural creativity, collaborations (research, associations, development cooperation), African role models and stereotypes, migration and diaspora.