Smith College's Moodle

FALL 2021: WLT 205 -  Contemporary African Literature and Film

This course will study the emergence of contemporary African literature and film in their historical, political, and social contexts. On the one hand, we will explore the history and development of African film as a visual art, and study, as well, a selection of the political and social themes that have preoccupied its practitioners since its inception.  On the other hand, we will pay similar attention to emergent literary works, particularly the novel form, paying particular attention to some of the major debates in African Literature, regarding the role of African writers and their relationship to selective important sociopolitical concerns.

In the era of climate change, global migration, income disparities driven by capitalism, and a pandemic that has disproportionately affected Black, Brown, and low-income people, the future has become an urgent concern. Although media reports can feel apocalyptic, this concern has also inspired new visions of a world liberated from capitalism, police, and injustice. Our course delves into innovative responses to this moment of crisis. Our readings foreground the voices of Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ writers in a wide range of nonfiction genres, including personal essays, manifestos, magazine articles, and academic scholarship.

These readings will serve as a departure point for your own writing. You will write a lot, both formally and informally, working toward greater clarity, confidence, and nuance.