African Politics, Literature and Film: Contested Representations (P02489)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : SPS-P-P02489

Together with background works discussing African historical and political developments, students will analyze and discuss some of the finest exemplars of world literature and film. Themes include representations of Africa's precolonial and colonial past, negotiations of its present post-colonial realities, state and social power, changing gender relations, and traditions and modernities. Students will also evaluate the ways in which aesthetic approaches describe political themes; that is, the politics of culture as well as the culture of politics. The course is tailored to make good use of the ?Africa in Motion? African Film Festival taking place during the first (autumn) term, and build on the festival?s prior success.The course aims to re-interrogate the relationship among politics, literature, and film from comparative, critical and historical perspectives. The course would appeal to students wishing to continue advanced studies in African studies, comparative politics, literary or film studies, or students who wish to seek work in cognate fields.

? Keywords : African politics; literature; film; cultural studies

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Postgraduate (School of Social and Political Science), (School of Social and Political Science, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
23/09/2008	14:00	16:00			Further details on www.sps.ed.ac.uk/gradschool when available

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

students will attain:

? critical approaches to the interpretation of politics, literature, and film

? an understanding of the wealth and diversity of African culture and politics

? insights into the complex intertwining of colonial and postcolonial themes and of aesthetic and political categories of representation