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Academic Year 2005/2006

Islamic Africa, Negotiating Politics, Ethnicity and Gender
ANTH 385 SP

This course examines the influences ¿ political, religious, social, and cultural ¿ of Islam on a wide range of nations and societies in Africa. The course begins with a general introduction to Islam and the history of Islam in Africa. The main focus of the course is on Islam¿s role in contemporary politics, including the politics of identity. Negotiations over religious, ethnic, and gender identity will be highlighted in the readings, films, and other course materials. The course will also familiarize students with anthropological approaches to understanding the operations of power, politics, identity, and ideology in these societies.

MAJOR READINGS

L. Rosen, THE CULTURE OF ISLAM: CHANGING ASPECTS OF CONTEMPORARY MUSLIM LIFE
J. Broddy, WOMBS AND ALIEN SPIRITS: WOMEN, MEN, AND THE ZAR CULT IN NORTHERN SUDAN
A. Tayob, ISLAMIC RESURGENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA: THE MUSLIM YOUTH MOVEMENT
C. Quinn and F. Quinn, PRIDE, FAITH AND FEAR: ISLAM IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
P. Stoller, EMBODYING COLONIAL MEMORIES: SPIRIT POSSESSION, POWER, AND THE HAUKA IN WEST AFRICA
E. Rosander, SELECTIONS FROM AFRICAN ISLAM AND ISLAM IN AFRICA: ENCOUNTERS BETWEEN SUFIS AND ISLAMISTS
P. Caplan, AFRICAN VOICES, AFRICAN LIVES: PERSONAL NARRATIVES FROM A SWAHILI VILLAGE

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Several short essays, reserach paper (10-15 pages), take-home final.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS ANTH    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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