AFS 113 Themes in African Studies (1 Credit)

This course asks the question of what it means to study Africa. As the world’s second largest and most linguistically and culturally diverse continent, Africa is also one of the world’s least understood historically, politically, socially and culturally. This course thus aims to challenge conventional representations of the continent. In doing so, it also aims to introduce students to the broader interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary study of the continent. S/U only.

Fall

AFS 214 Introduction to Human Rights in Africa (4 Credits)

This course provides an introduction to understanding the concept and practice of human rights in Africa, including comprehending the historical context of these issues. In this regard, several questions are addressed including: What are human rights? Within the African context, are human rights universal or relative? Are human rights viewed as individual or collective in Africa? What is the international framework that affects the enforcement of human rights in Africa? What are the regional and national regimes for safeguarding human rights in Africa? What are some current human rights issues in Africa? Enrollment limited to 40. (E) {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

AFS 215 Colloquium: Women and the Law in Africa (4 Credits)

This course focuses on historical, current, and emerging issues centering women and the law in Africa. It analyzes key incidents in African law to identify areas of commonalities and tension in the discourse surrounding the rights of women, the construction of gender, gender(ed) norms, sexuality/sexualities, and the negotiation of intimate relationships. The course asks: To what extent has the law in Africa safeguarded the rights of women and girls? What role does gender and sexuality play in African law? How are activists and lawyers utilizing the law to fight against gender-based violence? What are the shifting boundaries of African feminist jurisprudence? (E) {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

AFS 216 Colloquium: Sex & Societal Norms in Africa (4 Credits)

This course examines the mores, rules, and regulations that presently exists in African societies with regards to sex, sexual activity, and sexualities. Using an intersectional, decolonial, African, feminist perspective, it examines the social justification behind the establishment of such rules. Are these rules and norms instituted to safeguard vulnerable populations or are they based on the subjugation of entire classes of persons? Enrollment limited to 18. (E) {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

AFS 222 Colloquium: Popular Culture, Gender and Sexuality in Africa (4 Credits)

This course uses popular culture as a tool to analyze gender and sexuality issues in Africa. It discusses relevant issues in gender and sexuality across the continent, using selected African songs and movies, which feature these issues as centralized themes. It also examines the lived experiences of African actors, musicians and artistes, both historical and modern, as a means of discussing social norms on gender and sexuality and their subversion. Enrollment limited to 18. (E) {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

AFS 400 Special Studies (1-4 Credits)

Instructor permission required.

Fall, Spring

AFS 430D Honors Thesis (4 Credits)

Department permission required.

Fall, Spring