Course Descriptions

New! Wondering what ‘African Studies’ encompasses? Want a basic understanding of Africa in global perspective? From a variety of disciplinary approaches? Just want to learn something new? This course is for you! We will begin by critically assessing the framing of Africa in the U.S., problematizing modes of knowledge production on Africa (ex: through social media, film, news, academic writing). We’ll look at the diverse, rich heritage and contemporary reality of peoples of the African continent from the perspectives of African scholars, artists, writers, and everyday citizens.

Study of selected topics in African studies not covered in existing regularly scheduled courses. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

Introduction to the life, basic customs, and traditions of Akan-speaking peoples, especially the Asante of Ghana, West Africa. Examines such subjects as Akan politics, esthetics, and cultural practices. Increases understanding and appreciation of the life and heritage of the Akan as represented by the Asante people.

Examines occultism in Africa by identifying major forms and their power of influence within selected regions. Develops a clear intellectual understanding of occult practice in Africa and the major role it plays there.

Explores popular elements of Akan oral art and their influence on the Akan culture in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. Promotes a clear understanding of popular forms of African expressive culture and the major roles they play in the cultures that create them, using Akan as the prime example.

A historical introduction to Africa. Credit given for only one of AFRI-L 231 or HIST-H 227.

An introduction to current social, economic, and political issues in Africa.

Introduction to selected oral art forms and traditions of some Sub-Saharan African societies. Emphasis is on the esthetics and communicational mores that regulate the people’s verbal behavior. Enhances understanding and appreciation of African interactional practices, especially verbal artistry and expressive culture.

Intensive study of selected topics in African studies. Studies in special topics not ordinarily covered by African Studies program courses. May not duplicate a regularly offered course. Topics vary. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

P: Junior or senior standing and approval of instructor. Independent readings or research project in African Studies. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in X390 and L401.

Provides students with an opportunity to receive academic credit for work/service in an organization in Africa, or in a U.S. based organization focused on Africa or working with an African constituency. Requires a research paper related to the internship. S/F grading. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in X473 and L402.

African Languages

Introduction to Bamana, a Mande language of West Africa, and aspects of Bamana culture. Basic grammatical structures and vocabulary. Emphasis on the spoken language. Credit given for only one of AFRI-B 101 or LING-B 101.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-B 101 or LING-B 101, or equivalent proficiency. Introduction to Bamana, a Mande language of West Africa, and aspects of Bamana culture. Basic grammatical structures and vocabulary. Emphasis on the spoken language. Credit given for only one of AFRI-B 102 or LING-B 102.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-B 102 or LING-B 102, or equivalent proficiency. Study of more complex grammatical structures, with emphasis on active skills: speaking and writing. Reading of elementary texts. Credit given for only one of AFRI-B 201 or LING-B 201.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-B 201 or LING-B 201, or equivalent proficiency. Study of more complex grammatical structures, with emphasis on active skills: speaking and writing. Reading of elementary texts. Credit given for only one of AFRI-B 202 or LING-B 202.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-B 202 or LING-B 202, or equivalent proficiency. Examination of subtle nuances in grammatical structures. Advanced readings of traditional and modern literature. Composition. Oriented to needs of students enrolled. Credit given for only one of AFRI-B 301 or LING-B 301.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-B 301 or LING-B 301, or equivalent proficiency. Examination of subtle nuances in grammatical structures. Advanced readings of traditional and modern literature. Composition. Oriented to the needs of students enrolled. Credit given for only one of AFRI-B 302 or LING-B 302.

Large deposits of commercial oil were recently discovered in Ghana, prompting business personnel and tourists to learn the Akan language for business purposes in the sub-region. This course introduces students to the language and culture of the Akan people and helps learners engage native speakers in basic conversation. May not be used toward the CASE Foreign Language requirement.

Introduction to Akan, a major language of West Africa, spoken by the Akan peoples of Ghana. With approximately three million speakers, it is the major language of Ghana. Also spoken by thousands of people in the Ivory Coast. Basic grammatical structures and vocabulary. Emphasis on the spoken language. Credit given for only one of AFRI-K 101 or LING-K 101.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-K 101 or LING-K 101, or equivalent proficiency. Basic grammatical structures and vocabulary. Emphasis on spoken language-oral and listening comprehension, language use in specific social settings like the market, school, hospital, doctor's office, among others. Important cultural points such as food, clothing, marriage. Credit given for only one of AFRI-K 102 or LING-K 102.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-K 102 or LING-K 102, or equivalent proficiency. Study of more complex grammatical structures, with emphasis on active skills, speaking and writing. Reading of elementary texts. Credit given for only one of AFRI-K 201 or LING-K 201.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-K 201 or LING-K 201, or equivalent proficiency. Study of more complex grammatical structures, with emphasis on active skills, speaking, writing and reading texts. Attention on oral and written composition, reading and listening comprehension, and translation. Description of cultural events through the use of videos and Internet resources. Credit given for only one of AFRI-K 202 or LING-K 202.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-K 202 or LING-K 202, or equivalent proficiency. Examination of subtle nuances in grammatical structures. Advanced readings of traditional and modern literature. Credit given for only one of AFRI-K 301 or LING-K 301.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-K 301 or LING-K 301, or equivalent proficiency. Study of complex grammatical structures and more complex contextual discourse patterns. Advanced readings of traditional and modern literature. Advanced oral and written compositions, advanced reading and listening comprehension and translation of complex texts from English to Akan. Credit given for only one of AFRI-K 302 or LING-K 302.

Did you know Indiana’s second largest immigrant and refugee population are Kinyarwanda speakers? That IU has long-standing connections with people and institutions in Rwanda through the award-winning, student-led program Books & Beyond, as well as through curriculum-linked courses, and study abroad? Kinyarwanda is a Bantu language spoken by 20 million people around the world. It is the national language of Rwanda and is also spoken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in southern Uganda. It’s closely related to a language spoken in Tanzania and Burundi, as well. Learn Kinyarwanda and become involved in these and other opportunities, or prepare for a career in areas such as international business, government, health, non-government organizations, or international law!

 

 

Introduction to Swahili, a Bantu language spoken in East Africa, and to aspects of Bantu culture. Basic grammatical structures and vocabulary. Emphasis on the spoken language. Credit given for only one of AFRI-S 101 or LING-S 101.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-S 101 or LING-S 101, or equivalent proficiency. Introduction to Swahili, a Bantu language spoken in East Africa, and aspects of Bantu culture. Basic grammatical structures and vocabulary. Emphasis on the spoken language. Credit given for only one of AFRI-S 102 or LING-S 102.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-S 102 or LING-S 102, or equivalent proficiency. Study of more complex grammatical structures, with emphasis on active skills: speaking and writing. Reading of elementary texts. Credit given for only one of AFRI-S 201 or LING-S 201.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-S 201 or LING-S 201, or equivalent proficiency. Study of more complex grammatical structures, with emphasis on active skills: speaking and writing. Reading of elementary texts. Credit given for only one of AFRI-S 202 or LING-S 202.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-S 202 or LING-S 202, or equivalent proficiency. Examination of subtle nuances in grammatical structures. Advanced readings of traditional and modern literature. Composition. Oriented to needs of students enrolled. Credit given for only one of AFRI-S 301 or LING-S 301.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-S 301 or LING-S 301, or equivalent proficiency. Examination of subtle nuances in grammatical structures. Advanced readings of traditional and modern literature. Credit given for only one of AFRI-S 302 or LING-S 302.

Introduction to Wolof language and cultures. Wolof is spoken in West Africa, especially in Senegal, Mauritania, the Gambia, and Mali. Basic grammatical structures and vocabulary. Emphasis is on the spoken language. Exposure to cultural and social settings through the use of electronic media. Credit given for only one of AFRI-W 101 or LING-X 101.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-W 101 or LING-X 101, or equivalent proficiency. Basic grammatical structures and vocabulary. Emphasis is on the spoken language--oral and listening comprehension, and language use in specific social settings. Credit given for only one of AFRI-W 102 or LING-X 102.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-W 102 or LING-X 102, or equivalent proficiency. Study of more complex grammatical structures, with emphasis on active skills: speaking, writing, and reading texts. Attention to oral and written compositions, reading, listening comprehension, and translation of texts. Credit given for only one of AFRI-W 201 or LING-X 201.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-W 201 or LING-X 201, or equivalent proficiency. Study of more complex grammatical structures, with emphasis on active skills: speaking, writing, and reading texts. Attention to oral and written compositions, reading, listening comprehension, and translation of texts. Credit given for only one of AFRI-W 202 or LING-X 202.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-W 202 or LING-X 202 or equivalent proficiency. Study of complex grammatical structures and complex contextual discourse patterns. Advanced readings of traditional and modern literature. Advanced oral and written compositions, listening comprehension, and translation of complex texts. Credit given for only one of AFRI-W 301 or LING-X 301.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-W 301 or LING-X 301 or equivalent proficiency. Study of complex grammatical structures and complex contextual discourse patterns. Advanced readings of traditional and modern literature. Advanced oral and written compositions, listening comprehension, and translation of complex texts. Credit given for only one of AFRI-W 302 or LING-X 302.

P: Consent of instructor. Individual study of an African language at the 300 level. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credit hours in AFRI-X 391 and LING-A 300.

P: 300-level proficiency in the chosen language. Advanced individual study of any African language beyond the 300 level. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credit hours in AFRI-X 491 and LING-A 400.

Introduction to Yoruba language, a major African language spoken in Nigeria. Basic grammatical structures and vocabulary. Emphasis on spoken language, listening comprehension, language used in everyday life and in specific social settings. Credit given for only one of AFRI-Y 101 or LING-Y 101.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-Y 101 or LING-Y 101, or equivalent proficiency. Continuation of work begun on basic skills with continued emphasis on oral skills and reading comprehension. Credit given for only one of AFRI-Y 102 or LING-Y 102.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-Y 102 or LING-Y 102, or equivalent proficiency. Study of more complex grammatical structures, with emphasis on the active skills of speaking and writing. Reading and translation of elementary texts. Survey of cultural activities. Credit given for only one of AFRI-Y 201 or LING-Y 201.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-Y 201 or LING-Y 201, or equivalent proficiency. Continuation of the study of more complex structures, with emphasis on the active skills of speaking and writing. Reading of elementary to intermediate texts. Continued survey of cultural activities. Credit given for only one of AFRI-Y 202 or LING-Y 202.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-Y 202 or LING-Y 202, or equivalent proficiency. Study of more complex grammatical structures and contextual discourse patterns. Advanced readings of traditional and modern literature. Advanced oral and written compositions. Listening and reading comprehension of complex texts. Credit given for only one of AFRI-Y 301 or LING-Y 301.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-Y 301 or LING-Y 301, or equivalent proficiency. Continuation of Y301. Study of more complex grammatical structures and contextual discourse patterns. Advanced readings of traditional and modern literature. Advanced oral and written compositions. Listening and reading comprehension of complex texts. Credit given for only one of AFRI-Y 302 or LING-Y 302.

Introduction to Zulu language and culture. Zulu is spoken in South Africa and the neighboring countries of Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Lesotho by about 10 million people. Basic grammatical structures and vocabulary, emphasis on the spoken language and cultural awareness. Credit given for only one of AFRI-Z 101 or LING-Z 101.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-Z 101 or LING-Z 101, or equivalent proficiency. Basic grammatical structures and vocabulary. Emphasis on the spoken language, oral and listening comprehension, and language use in specific social settings. Uses videos and Internet resources. Credit given for only one of AFRI-Z 102 or LING-Z 102.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-Z 102 or LING-Z 102, or equivalent proficiency. Study of more complex grammatical structures, with emphasis on active skills of speaking, writing and reading texts. Emphasis on oral and written compositions, reading and listening comprehension, and translation of texts. Description of cultural events through the use of videos and Internet resources. Credit given for only one of AFRI-Z 201 or LING-Z 201.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-Z 201 or LING-Z 201, or equivalent proficiency. Study of more complex grammatical structures, with emphasis on active skills of speaking, writing, and reading texts. Emphasis on oral and written compositions, reading and listening comprehension, and translation of texts. Description of cultural events through the use of videos and Internet resources. Credit given for only one of AFRI-Z 202 or LING-Z 202.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-Z 202 or LING-Z 202, or equivalent proficiency. Study of more complex grammatical structures and more complex contextual discourse patterns. Advanced readings of traditional and modern literature. Advanced oral and written compositions, advanced listening comprehension and translation of complex texts. Uses videos and Internet resources Credit given for only one of AFRI-Z 301 or LING-Z 301.

P: Grade of C or higher in AFRI-Z 301 or LING-Z 301, or equivalent proficiency. Study of more complex grammatical structures and of more complex contextual discourse patterns. Advanced readings of traditional and modern literature. Advanced oral and written compositions, advanced listening comprehension and translation of complex texts. Uses videos and Internet resources. Credit given for only one of AFRI-Z 302 or LING-Z 302.