Gender, race, class and religion. Feminist theories in Africa 3600-AF-GRR-OG

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.

Prerequisites (description)

Good command of spoken and written English.

Course coordinators

Izabela Romańczuk

Type of course

general courses

Mode

Classroom

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;

- is able to use concepts of feminist theory;
- is able to apply the acquired knowledge in typical professional situations;
- is able to formulate his/her own opinions and conclusions, orally and in writing;
- has the ability to argue substantively using the views of other authors;
- is able to understand and explain complex theoretical arguments;
- is able to collect, process and present material on a narrow topic to a group.

- understands the need for lifelong learning;
- is able to interact and work as part of a team, establishing contacts and building social relations;
- is able to express his/her own 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

Components of the final assessment:

1. attendance and activity in class

2. final paper - written statement.

Practical placement

Does not concern.

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 3600-AF-GRR-OG in USOSweb