Learn 2024

Welcome to the course ‘CULTURE AND SOCIETY IN AFRICA’. This course provides an empirical foundation and conceptual framework for the academic study of Africa and its peoples. The course also aims to introduce students to a critical understanding of ethnographic writing on Africa.

In addition to examining the classical ethnographic work of the early anthropologists working with an African context, the module will look at participatory and sited research (‘fieldwork’), qualitative case-studies and contemporary historiography to shed an anthropological light on the social and political challenges facing the diverse peoples of Africa today.

The module thus introduces students to the study and appreciation of African culture(s). It emphasises the diversity, complexity and dynamism of cultures across the continent, and challenges easy – and essentially racist – notions of a homogenous African cultural world. We have all seen the painted tribesmen and the drums, stereotypical images of the starving children, the gruesome guerrilla war footage. Equally problematic however, is the overly romantic view of an Africa that was unfailingly just, communalistic and peaceful before the onset of modernisation. This module will help students shed simplifications and distortions, while beginning to equip you with the knowledge and skills you will require in order to enjoy, appreciate and critically discuss aspects of African culture.

While initially, anthropologists focused primarily on far-away, ‘exotic’ cultures, contemporary (urban) anthropology has become much more than the study of the exotic ‘other’. In contemporray terms, ‘cultures’ are now regarded as always ‘in-between’, as giant melting pots of a variety of influences. The global has adapted to the local, and, vice versa, the local has incorporated the global.

It is this interaction between cultures that contemporary anthropologists focus on. Moreover, they pay special attention to economic, social and political implications. Despite this shift in focus, however, the working methods of qualitative research, ethnographic approaches and participant observation are still maintained.

As a student being introduced to anthropology within an African context, you will study issues such as the impact of colonisation, the making and unmaking of identity, the construction of ‘ethnicity’ and the relation between people and their environment. You will be introduced to gender (masculinities and feminitites) in an African context. You will also be introduced to aspects of African art and culture, as well as religion and belief systems that are articulated within sub saharan Africa.

Module description

The module informs students about the application of anthropological knowledge in the course of research. Today, anthropological training requires familiarity with a wide range of concepts and research tools, as well as the various theoretical tools. The course familiarizes students with major theoretical frameworks and methodologies required to undertake anthropological research. Students will be academically exposed to a wide range of theoretical frameworks, paradigms, principles and methods in anthropological research.  The content of the module will enable students taking anthropology as a career to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding on how to undertake anthropological research in both natural in situ as well as through virtual/cyberspaces. The integration of cyber/virtual empirical research will immensely sharpen student skills and align them with national and international job opportunities. Above all, students will get to independently understand a mini-research endeavour drawing from one of the sub-fields of the discipline. The special topic for this year will be gender and migration as well as the Covid-19 pandemic.

The emphasis is placed upon creating a holistic learning environment. Lectures are presented in an intermigration,active way. Collaborative and co-operative learning will be at the centre of learning. This will allow students to engage in the social construction of knowledge which is crucial for effective learning.  Students are strongly encouraged to participate in class discussions, ask questions, show their own understanding of material and discuss their own perceptions of the content topics.  Students will be required to do a mini research exercise.

ANTH701 LOCAL KNOWLEDGE & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

This course is designed to expose students to early thoughts that led to the development of anthropological theory. There is a rich and significant history to the rise of theories in Anthropology. The module focuses on Anthropological Theory and is divided into three phases and taught in two sections. They include historical context, going back to the 19th century and followed by the theoretical changes and developments in the mid-twentieth century. Collectively, these theories have a direct influence on contemporary discourses and developments in theory globally. The readings in this module assist you in understanding the relevance of anthropological theories in their historical past, and their contribution to present-day anthropological studies.

It is important to note that theories have also been borrowed from political ideologies and prevalent discourses that shaped and determined attitudes, perceptions, and worldviews. Contemporary research demonstrates such overlaps between theories and discourses, and at times, with political or economic intent. While theories have universal value and currency over limited time periods, they are also adaptable to the study of localized and varying conditions.

There are a number of people who contributed towards early anthropological theory in the 19th and 20th centuries, many of which continue to influence contemporary discourses. While each one has made a significant contribution, there are too many to cover in just one semester. You are strongly advised to do more reading on your own. It would be helpful to all of you to extend your readings into the work of other theorists if you wish to make a career out of Anthropology. The readings in this module will take you through the historical roots and gradual development of the subject.

This module introduces you to the central elements and steps in planning and conducting an Ethnographic Research Project. The course aims to give you a thorough introduction to the concept of ethnographic research, as well as the central ethnographic research methods and approaches. The course will support you in completing the Methodology and research design section of your Honours Research Proposal.

Course objectives and outcomes

On completing the course, students will be able to

1. Describe and discuss the central elements in planning and conducting ethnographic research projects
2. Define the methodological foundations and methodical approach of their own research project
3. Prepare a plan for conducting their own research project
4. Explain and discuss the key methods in ethnographic research

This course requires a considerable amount of individual work, self-regulation and self-motivation. You will be expected to come to the seminars prepared, having done the readings, and equipped with your own reflections and critical questions. The seminars will take the format of group discussions, and thus rely on the input and contributions of all students. There will be no formal lectures, although the lecturer might at times give short inputs to clarify and critique particular concepts and methods.

The seminar discussions will be framed around different elements and methods in ethnographic research, and will focus on the planning, execution and evaluation of research projects. You are welcome, and encouraged, to ask questions and make comments about the course content, and to relate the course material to your own project.

It is your [student's] responsibility to keep up to date with the course readings, seminars, and assessments!

This module is designed as a student-led and student-centred module, meaning that the seminars are dependent on your active participation. You are expected to come to the seminar prepared; having read the required material and having developed your own questions for discussion and/or clarity.

The seminars will take place as class discussions, and everyone will be expected to participate and offer their perspectives, questions and critiques of the assigned reading material. You will also be expected to take part in peer-assessment and self-evaluation.