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Academic Year 2005/2006


Women's and Gender History in Africa
HIST 359 FA

Crosslistings:
WMST 358

This seminar course examines the study of women and gender in African history. How should we discuss women and gender in African contexts? Are Westerners forcing their ideas on Africa? Does work by Africans and Africanist scholars challenge the methodologies and themes in women's and gender studies? Readings include theoretical pieces and case studies on four specific regions/countries of Africa: Nigeria/Benin (West Africa), Morocco (North Africa), South Africa, and Congo-Kinshasa (Central Africa). We cover key themes in women's and gender studies such as power, feminism, women's "voices," and sexuality. But the texts and videos also address broader matters such as religion, racism, and politics. Specific topics in African history include the slave trade, colonialism, nationalism, apartheid, and military regimes. Students generally interested in African history or in women's and gender history will find this course useful.

MAJOR READINGS

Books available for purchase at Broad Street Books and on reserve:

Edna Bay, WIVES OF THE LEOPARD: GENDER, POLITICS, AND CULTURE IN DAHOMEY
Sefi Atta, EVERYTHING GOOD WILL COME
Alison Baker, VOICES OF RESISTANCE: ORAL HISTORIES OF MOROCCAN WOMEN
Fatima Mernissi, DREAMS OF TRESPASS: TALES OF A HAREM GIRLHOOD
Shula Marks, NOT EITHER AN EXPERIMENTAL DOLL: THE SEPARATE LIVES OF THREE SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN
Belinda Bozzoli with Mmantho Nkotsoe, THE WOMEN OF PHOKENG: CONSCIOUSNESS, LIFE STRATEGY, AND MIGRANCY IN SOUTH AFRICA, 1980-83
Nancy Rose Hunt, A COLONIAL LEXICON OF BIRTH RITUAL, MEDICALIZATION AND MOBILITY IN THE CONGO
V.Y. Mudimbe, BEFORE THE BIRTH OF THE MOON

Film/Videos:
Gender Matters
Si-Gueriki (The Queen Mother)
Hot Wax

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Map quiz, one 6-page paper, take-home midterm, draft paper/presentation, final project, weekly responses/participation/attendance.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Semley,Lorelle D.   
Times: .M..... 01:10PM-04:00PM;     Location: PAC413;
Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 15)
SR. major: 4   Jr. major: 4
SR. non-major: 4   Jr. non-major: 2   SO: 1   FR: X

Special Attributes:
Curricular Renewal:    Speaking, Writing
Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006


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