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Academic Year 2005/2006
Women's and Gender History in Africa
HIST 359 FA
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
Contact
wesmaps@wesleyan.edu
to submit comments or suggestions. Please include a url, course title, faculty name or other page reference in your email
Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459
