Gender, race, class and religion. Feminist theories in Africa 3600-AF-GRR1-OW
The class will discuss the history and evolution of African feminist thought growing out of a critique of white, Western feminism.
The seminar offers an overview of key texts presenting feminist theories in Africa such as womanism, stiwanism, nego-feminism, and Africana womanism, among others.
The internal diversity of feminist theories in Africa will be a theme of the course. Our readings will also be diverse: articles, essays, polemics, interviews. The course will also include online presentations by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Stella Nyanzi and Sylvi Tamale, among others.
At the same time, we will also look for major themes and recurring styles of
of argumentation in the texts of African feminists. A key question concerns the specificity of African feminism: its relation to postcolonial approaches, black feminism and intersectionalism.
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Alumnus
- knows and understands the broader historical, cultural and political context for the history and development of African feminist thought;
- has a structured, detailed knowledge of theories of African feminism;
- has knowledge of the content of the source texts discussed;
- can use concepts of feminist theory;
- can apply the acquired knowledge in typical professional situations;
- can formulate his/her own opinions and conclusions, orally and in writing;
- can argue substantively using the views of other authors;
- can understand and explain complex theoretical arguments;
- can collect, process, and present material on a narrow topic to a group.
- understands the need for lifelong learning;
- can interact and work as part of a team, establishing contacts and building social relations;
- can express his/her views coherently and clearly, while showing respect for the views of others;
- is aware of cultural diversity and its religious, philosophical, moral and historical origins, as well as its significance for understanding the contemporary world;
- sees the need for intercultural dialogue.
Assessment criteria
Requirements for credit:
-attendance control (A student can be absent a maximum of twice during the semester. In the case of absence due to illness, the medical certificate excusing this absence should be submitted within seven days of the last day of the leave specified in the certificate.)
-continuous assessment
-semester paper.
Practical placement
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Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: