African Studies

Teacher(s): Susan Nytanga 

Lessons: 4/week

For most people, their understanding of Africa is shaped by the media and colonial era stories of Africa and its people. In African studies, we will discuss Africa beyond the typical narrative of Africa in the media.

This class will teach you about a cross range of topics on Africa including:

• Africa’s early civilisations which demonstrates highly advanced societies
• The diverse cultures, tribes and different religions provides yet another angle to our understanding of Africa
• The slave trade as well as colonial era also further our understanding as they left a huge impact on the continent.

The course will also include political developments, wars and conflicts and discussions on some of the famous/infamous Africans. Social classes and wealth gaps, migration within Africa and to Europe, tourism, China’s role in Africa and everyday life which will include gender roles, cultural expectations of women are some of the topics covered. As the class progresses, relevant emerging issues in Africa will be discussed. Occasionally, external speakers with direct connection to the topic will be invited to share their experiences in class.

Get to understand Africa from an insider perspective, gain exposure to the rich complexities of social, political, economic, environmental, and cultural life among African, and understand the role of Africa on the global stage, questioning why Africa matters. We will watch films, documentaries, talks about Africa will be screened to illustrate certain topics in class. A class or 2 will be used to cook African inspired food.