ANTH 271 - Cultural Area Studies: Africa

Class Hours: 3
Lab/Discussion: 0
Credits: 3

Critically evaluates media headlines about African issues and reaches beyond these headlines to appreciate the complexity and diversity of people’s lives in sub-Saharan Africa and the diaspora. Course readings, assignments, and ethnographic films explore the nature of anthropology research in Africa, the impact of colonialism on social and political life, and the contemporary struggles of people to define their place in local, national, and global communities. Readings include ethnographic, historical, and popular accounts, as well as selections by African writers on issues of contemporary society, such as wildlife conservation, resource extraction, post-conflict development, food aid, and refugee relief and resettlement.