This module deals with the creative forms and critical commentaries of ordinary people – as opposed to the social and political elites – in Africa. Popular culture is one of the most dynamic and vital products of the continent; often overlooked by outsiders, it is usually found to be of intense local interest and significance. The module introduces students to a range of popular expressive forms that have appeared over the past century across Africa, such as fiction, theatre, music, film, fashion, and the media. It looks at art forms as part of everyday life, and shows how new popular genres emerge from specific sites and periods of social transformation. The module questions how people articulate their disappointments, nostalgia and aspirations in times of resistance to colonial and postcolonial dominations, media revolution, and intensifying global cultural flows, for instance. And also asks how popular culture can play a didactic role in instilling community values, pushing back against oppressive regimes, or imparting new visions of the world. Throughout the module, students are encouraged to think about the production, reception and circulation of African popular cultural forms.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Recognise the style, content and significance of a range of popular African genres
Relate these popular genres to the changing political and historical context
Assessment
20436-01 : 1500 word written assignment - Essay 1 : Coursework (40%)
20436-02 : 2000 word written assignment - Essay 2 : Coursework (60%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: 1 x 1500 word written assignment (40%)