Social and Cultural Dynamics of Africa

Description

The course's general objective (O1) is to discuss contemporary social and cultural issues in Africa. The course is structured over 10 weeks of classes and 5 fundamental topics, each addressing two themes. The specific objectives are: for topic '1. Representations of Africa' (O2) to explain the construction of concepts and narratives about culture and social change applied to Africa; for topic '2. Demography of the African continent' (O3) to show the demographic diversity of the continent and population movements within and outside the region, specifying dynamics related to African youth; for topic '3. Gender and sexuality' (O4) to systematize the main feminist movements and debates around gender and sexuality in Africa; for topic '4. Systems of belonging' (O5) to discuss different systems of belonging, highlighting religion and ethnicity; and finally, for topic '5. Creative cultures' (O6) to explore manifestations of different creative and digital industries. By the end of the course, students should: OA1 – Apply rigorously fundamental concepts for understanding social and cultural dynamics in Africa. OA2 – Critically discuss narratives about the African continent, contrasting Eurocentric with endogenous perspectives. OA3 – Understand demographic dynamics of the African continent. OA4 – Explain behaviors and aspirations of youth in Africa. OA5 – Know feminist movements and movements defending sexual minority rights.