History of African Countries of Portugues Language II 3305-HPALOP2-11
The classes devoted to the PALOP countries aim to present the process of nation formation in Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Students become familiar with the precolonial, colonial, and postcolonial history of the former Portuguese colonies, as well as with the cultures of these countries and their major ethnic groups.
The course places emphasis on understanding basic concepts in the theory of history and on developing the ability to critically analyse historical sources and discourses. It is both propaedeutic and monographic in nature, presenting selected issues from the history of the PALOP countries.
The practical classes aim to develop the ability to think critically about history, introduce the tools and methods used in working with sources, and deepen the understanding of the complex social, political, and cultural processes taking place in the PALOP countries and in Europe (when relevant).
The aim of the practical part of the classes is to develop the ability to critically read sources as well as primary and secondary literature, to engage with scholarly debates, to formulate one’s own interpretations, and to participate actively in discussions on the analysed issues.
Indicative list of topics:
The historical event vs. the historical fact – discussion based on the text by Tomasz Falkowski and examples from colonial history.
An introduction to understanding, interpreting, and explaining in history. Can we judge the past through the lens of the present?
Portugal não é um país pequeno – imperial propaganda regarding Africa.
Photography as a historical source – objective testimony or ideological visual construct? Exposição Colonial Portuguesa.
Contemporary reception of the empire in Portugal. Work with source material.
Museums, monuments, debates – on contemporary engagements with the past.
Africa through others’ eyes – from 19th-century travel accounts to contemporary pop culture.
Other topics – student projects.
NOTE: Some class materials may contain difficult or distressing content for sensitive viewers. Students will be informed of this in advance.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Term 2024L: | Term 2025L: |
Learning outcomes
Student will learn to understand the basic terminology, subject matter and research trends concerning the history of Portuguese-speaking Africa; the basics of the research methodology appropriate for this field; the most important events and phenomena in the history of the PALOP countries and its impact on contemporary cultural life in Portuguese-speaking Africa, as well as the context of the Portuguese empire and contemporary international phenomena resulting from the colonial past.
(K_W02; K_W03; K_W04; K_W06; K_W08; K_W09).
Student will learn to read with comprehension texts on topics related to the history and culture of the PALOP countries; to present their own views and opinions, discuss, and present prepared topics related to the history of Portuguese-speaking Africa, as well as to argue using the views of other authors and formulate conclusions; to recognise different types of texts and classify historical sources and studies appropriately, to place them within a general historical and cultural context, and to analyse them using basic terminology; to independently prepare a written paper and an oral presentation based on selected and prepared readings; and to use basic theoretical approaches, research paradigms, and concepts.
(K_U01; K_U03; K_U04; K_U05;K_U06).
Student understands the need for continuous improvement and development in the spirit of ‘lifelong learning’; cooperation within a group (including within Portuguese-language communities) as well as independent work; active participation in Portuguese-language culture through various forms and media, as well as keeping up to date with contemporary processes and phenomena in the Portuguese language area within the scope of knowledge of the past and taking responsiblity for the cultural heritage of this linguistic area.
(K_K01; K_K03; K_K06; K_K07; K_K08).
Assessment criteria
Credit is being granted in the continuous mode.
The continuous verifications is granted on the basis of an active participation of a student in class discussions and class activities, as well as attendance, readings, homeworks and final test.
Active participation in classes, preparation, entrance tests and other activities - 40% of the final grade;
Test - 50% of the final grade;
Project - 10% of the final grade.
ATTENTION:
1. Use artificial intelligence tools only after prior consultation with the lecturers, in an authorised and ethical manner and in accordance with the URK guidelines: https://dokumenty.uw.edu.pl/dziennik/DURK/Lists/Dziennik/Attachments/134/DURK.2023.98. UURK.98.pdf.
2. Disclaimer: some of the content in the source materials may contain elements that may be difficult for sensitive individuals to accept (e.g. erotic content, violence).
3. During the course, it is possible to participate in 1-2 faculty initiatives (conferences, expert meetings, etc.) in line with the programme outcomes.
4. Students are allowed two unjustified absences per semester (class attendance - minimum 60%).
5. All grades will be awarded on the following scale:
100%- grade 5!
92%-99% - grade 5
85%-91% - grade 4+
77%-84% - grade 4
71%-76% - grade 3+
60%-70% - grade 3
Less than 60% - grade 2
Practical placement
N/A
Bibliography
The basic bibliography encompasses:
A.H. Oliveira de Marques, „Historia Portugalii”, przeł. J. Klave, Warszawa 1987.
E. Domańska, J. Pomorski, "Wprowadzenie do metodologii historii", PWN, Warszawa 2022 (selected chapters).
M. Tymowski, "Europejczycy i Afrykanie", Wyd. Naukowe Uniwersytetu Mikołaja Kopernika, Toruń 2017.
K. Zeidler, "Restytucja dóbr kultury ze stanowiska filozofii prawa", Wolters Kluwer, 2011.
R. Kapuściński, "Jeszcze dzień życia", Warszawa 1976.
B. Davidson, "Społeczna i polityczna historia Afryki w XX wieku", Warszawa 2011.
B. Davidson, "Stara Afryka na nowo odkryta" - various editions.
M. Jagłowski, "Luzytania wyobrażona", Wydawnictwo Naukowe Scholar, 2024.
M. Tymowski, "Europejczycy i Afrykanie", Wyd. Naukowe Uniwersytetu Mikołaja Kopernika, Toruń 2017.
+Fragments of source texts selected, translated, and prepared by the lecturer.
+Iconographic sources (paintings, engravings, satirical drawings and caricatures, photographs).
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: