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African and African American Studies (AAA S)

AAA S 202 (GS;IL) (WMNST 202) Gender Dynamics in Africa (3) Critical analysis of multidisciplinary research on relations between men and women in Africa and critique of Western feminist theories.

AAA S (WMNST) 202 Gender Dynamics in Africa (3)
(GS;IL)

(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

In terms of gender studies, western academics have dominated the field. The course will offer a very different, more African-centered, analysis of the gender relations of African. Important African women writers will be read and their works analyzed. The role of African gender dynamics on the African Diaspora (North American, South America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East) will also be studied in this course.

Feminism is one of the latest Western theoretical fashions to be applied to African societies. Following the one-size-fits all (or better still the Western-size fits all) approach to intellecual theorizing, it has taken its place in a long series of Western paradigms.

African scholars, in particular African women scholars and others, are challenging the very conceptualizations of gender that are used to define, describe or categorize women and men. This class will examine the historical relationships between men and women in Africa and examine the new approaches to the study of gender dynamics in Africa. The course will challenge your perceptions of gender. The ability to critically think and an open mind are requirements for this class. You will also be expected to participate in all class discussions.

This course represents a logical sequel to an exisiting course, AAA S/WMNST 102, Women in a Cross Cultural perspective; and three courses, AAA S/HIST 191, Early African History, AAA S/HIST 192, Modern African History, and WMNST 4, Global Perspectives on Feminism, which have already been approved by the Senate. This course can be used in both the African and African American Studies major and minors. Grades: map exam 10%, oral history 15%, mid term 30%, and final 45%.


GenEd: GS
Diversity: IL
Bachelor of Arts: Other Cultures
Effective: Summer 2005