African and African American Studies (AAA S) 110
Introduction to Contemporary Africa
Popular films, academic studies and the media often convey a view of Africa and Africans through stereotypical images of war, famine and disease. This course, however, offers students a view of contemporary Africa as a complex, significant, and richly diverse continent. This course presents an introduction to African history, politics and cultures by drawing on intellectual resources from the continent combined with those from the rest of the world. The course aims to expend student knowledge of intersecting histories, policies and economics in a globalized world.
In this course, you will engage with some of the great writers and thinkers about contemporary Africa; contest stereotypes and misconceptions about the continents; and develop your skills at reading, analyzing and writing within the interdisciplinary approach of African Studies.
What will I learn in this course?
At the conclusion of this course, you should be able to:
- Learn about the geography of the continent, and its relation to the rest of the world through an interactive map-based project.
- Critically analyze images of Africa in mainstream media and find alternative media from African-based sources.
- Critically analyze readings on socio-economic, political and cultural developments in Africa.
- Engage with African individuals and intellectuals through web based mediums and interviews.
- Read African and International literature, academic studies, videos, newspapers and magazines and reflect on the politics of knowledge about Africa through discussions.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
No specific classes are required before taking AAA S 110.
I've never taken an online course before. What is it like?
This course is taught completely online. We'll use Penn State's course management system, ANGEL, for AAA S 110, and you will be able to communicate with the professor and your classmates through chat, e-mail, and threaded discussions within ANGEL.
You do not need to come to campus at any time, and you do not need a proctor or remote testing site.
An online course, however, is not easier than on-campus course. In fact, it takes a lot more self-discipline. You must be willing and able to commit the same amount of time as you would for attending class and studying for a traditional course. You must also be a motivated, organized student who feels confident about reading to learn and who is comfortable working independently. If you're wondering whether an online course is right for you, take this short survey to find out more about how online learning is different.
What are the technological requirements for this course?
To complete this course, you must have the following equipment or capabilities:
- Have access to a computer that meets the ANGEL technological requirements.
- Be comfortable with navigating the Internet
- Have access to a computer with flash viewer installed
How is the course structured?
This course is divided into three modules: Where is Africa?, What is Africa?, How is Africa connected to the rest of the World?. There are a total of 15 lessons dispersed through 3 modules. Within each lesson there are lecture materials, assigned readings, supplementary materials along with a quiz. Quizzes are based on all material covered during the lesson. This includes but is not limited to: lecture materials, assigned readings and articles, discussions, videos, and links to WebPages.
To complement the regular activities in each lesson there will be a semester project (completed in three steps throughout the semester), four discussions, and two video reflections. Assignments are spread out over the semester to provide the student ample time to learn from each activity.
The course culminates with a multiple choice map test of Africa based on the information students compiled during the semester project.
See course outline.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about AAA S 110 Online, see a recent course syllabus. To register, visit the Office of the University Registrar. At the beginning of each semester, all enrolled students should access AAA S 110 at the site of Penn State's course management system, ANGEL.
Treetop-grazing giraffes in Africa.
African leaders Muammar Gaddafi and Nelson Mandela
Homeless people sit on the pavement outside the police station in Alexandra, an overcrowded Johannesburg township just a stone’s throw from the city’s main business district.
Camps Bay, Cape Town's most popular beach, with the Twelve Apostles in the background
Violet-backed Starling, seen here at the Kruger National Park, South Africa