ANTH 253(S) Popular Culture in Africa (Same as Africana Studies 253)*
This course focuses on forms of popular culture produced and circulated by amateur and professional artists, musicians, writers, and performers in Africa. We will study these genres as forms of entertainment and artistic expression, but more importantly as efforts to make sense of the world, offer critical commentaries, construct social identities, and take political action. In addition to developing a theoretical understanding of popular culture, we will address themes such as gender, ethnicity and nationality, wealth and power, globalization, protest and resistance, and war.
Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: Quiz, midterm, short review paper, 8- to 10-page research paper, presentation
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 25 (expected: 20). Open to all classes, but preference given to first and second years, and Anthropology or Sociology majors.
Hour: HAUGH