History 142 Dr. Jessie Gaston

The History of Women in Africa Office and Office Hours:
Spring 2013 Tahoe 3096: TT 12:00 to 1:15 pm
Phone: 278-6626/6206 and Tues. 4:30 to 5:00 pm GE Area C1, World Civilization

Course Description

Over the years many stereotypes and misconceptions have existed about African women and many of their voices have remained silenced. Placing African women as active participants and presenting their issues will challenge these misconceptions. This course is designed to introduce students to women’s participation in various aspects of Africa’s history and contemporary issues on the continent during the pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial periods. An examination of their role and involvement in politics, religion, the economy and the arts will be provided.

Differences in the status of women from one region to another as well as changes in the role of women from pre-colonial to contemporary times will also be considered. Issues such as the impact of kinship structures on the opportunities available to women, African responses to feminist discourse, and gender relations in traditional and contemporary African societies will be discussed. The course readings will engage the experiences of many different women over the broad geographical range of North, West, South, Central, and Eastern Africa, though the bulk of the readings may involve West and Eastern Africa.

Lectures may include materials not covered in the readings. Lectures may be recorded, but good note taking is important. Supplemental readings may also be passed out in class. It is the responsibility of the student to drop the class if they so desire. So, not attending class may not constitute your withdrawal; you must officially withdraw or receive an F as a final grade.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course: 1. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the reality that women were/are active agents in as well as viable contributors to African history and civilizations. 2. Students will develop a greater understanding of contemporary issues and major challenges facing women of all socio-economic levels in today’s Africa. 3. Students will develop a greater understanding of the impact of colonization and the resistance and de-colonization efforts of African women. 4. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the impact of traditions and colonial policies on African women, in addition to, the impact of religious philosophies and beliefs on the women of/in Africa. 5. Students will be able to demonstrate critical thinking, particularly, in the area of cause and effect and gender relations in traditional and contemporary African societies.

Course Requirements

A. Class Participation and Attendance: Each student is expected to attend each class meeting and to actively participate in class discussions. Students should critically analyze and comment on ideas from the assigned readings, the concepts presented by other students and the ideas advanced in the lectures and visuals.

B. Examinations: There will be three in-class examinations Sept 25, Oct 23 and Dec 6, 2012. The second and the third examination will be limited to the material covered since the previous examination. The exams are based on the lectures, readings, film assignments, class discussions, presentations and any guest speakers. They may consist of a combination of essays, short answers, identifications, definitions and objective questions.

C. _Map Test: Each Student is required to