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Academic Year 2005/2006

Women's and Gender History in Africa
HIST 359 SP
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

Iris Berger and E. Frances White, WOMEN IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Luise White, THE COMFORTS OF HOME: PROSTITUTION IN COLONIAL NAIROBI
Barbara Cooper, MARRIAGE IN MURADI: GENDER AND CULTURE IN A HAUSA SOCIETY IN NIGER, 1900-1998
Buchi Emecheta, THE JOYS OF MOTHERHOOD
Tsitsi Dangaremba, NERVOUS CONDITIONS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

mid-term
2 short papers
research paper

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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