Pan African Studies Courses

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  • PANAF 10 / Introduction to Pan-African Studies (4) - view
    A broad, cross-disciplinary introduction to the study of Africa and the African diaspora. Explores the various historic and contemporary approaches, arguments, and theories on the study of Africans and people of the African diaspora within several disciplines, including anthropology, economics, literature, history, music, religion, sociology, art, and political science. Seeks to encourage students to think critically about a variety of issues related to the lives of Africans and people of the African diaspora. Enrollment priority: given to Pan-African studies majors and minors. Offered fall semester. Fulfills: DUS BI WM
  • PANAF 11 / Peoples of Africa: Cultures and Civilizations (4) - view
    An introduction to the contemporary and historic cultures, art, music, and literature of the peoples of Africa. Explores the evolution of great empires and themes such as community, cohesion, collision, and the impact of outside forces. Examines social and political systems, as well as individual life experiences of specific African peoples. Same as ANTH 55. Offered in alternate years.
  • PANAF 20 / Pan-African Choral Performance (2) - view
    Study and performance of representative choral music from the Pan-African music traditions of Africa, the Caribbean and the United States. Students will study and perform several genres that may include traditional and contemporary spirituals, hymns and gospel; work songs; blues; jazz; rhythm and blues; freedom and liberation songs; and classical arrangements. Students with skills in playing instruments are given the opportunity to participate as soloists and as accompanists. The course is open for credit or non-credit to all students, faculty and staff without audition. Students seeking credit for this course must register each semester in which they seek credit. May be repeated for up to four credits for PANAF or music major. The instructor may require auditions for soloists and touring ensembles.
  • PANAF 80 / Experiential Learning Seminar in Pan African Studies (2-4) - view
    A study of issues, problems, and ideas in Africa or the African diaspora. An experimental learning approach will expose students to people and activities outside of the classroom and off campus; these experiences might include, but would not be limited to, presentations by outside speakers and field trips. This seminar was endowed by a gift from William Freeman C'74 and his wife Ellen. Amount of credit established at time of registration. Course may be repeated. Enrollment priority: Given to Pan African Studies Majors and Minors. Recommended: PANAF 10. Offered spring semester.
  • PANAF 119 / Religions of Africa (4) - view
    An introduction to the basic themes within the traditional religions of Africa, including the nature of God, the significance of creation myths, the role of ancestors, the importance of religious leaders, and the problem of evil, sickness, and death. Explores the problematic Christian encounter with African religions, the Semitic connection and African Islam, and the role and function of the Independent African-Christian Churches. Same as: ANTH 119 and REL 143. Offered Annually.
  • PANAF 170 / Selected Topics Pan African Studies (4) - view
    An examination of one or more selected topics in Pan-African studies not covered in the regular course offerings. Topics vary in accordance with student interests and faculty expertise. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offered every semester.
  • PANAF 180 / Pan African Studies Seminar (4) - view
    Using the classroom as a forum for the discussion of methods, theories, arguments, and data on Pan African topics, students produce a major research paper. The course seeks to facilitate learning among students through research and discussion. Faculty representing the several disciplines within the Pan African studies program and guest lecturers participate in class discussions. Prerequisite: PANAF 10 and four additional courses satisfying the Pan African Studies Major or minor. Offered spring semester.
  • PANAF 190 / Independent Study in Pan African Studies (1-4) - view
    A special program of study planned by the student, as approved by a faculty sponsor. Amount of credit established at time of registration. Course may be repeated. Written proposal. Offered every semester.

Off Campus Programs

  • PANAF 160 / Life, Culture and Languages of Eritrea/Ghana () - view
    An interdisciplinary seminar that explores the history of Eritrea or Ghana with attention to how that history affects the nation's contemporary politics, society, economy, culture, arts, and languages. As part of this course, students will be taught the basics of a local language with an emphasis on oral and reading skills.
  • PANAF 161 / Gender and Development (4) - view
    This course focuses on the complex role gender plays in Eritrea or Ghana's struggle for social and economic development. Using the theoretical frameworks that have developed on the topic in the past 30 years, this course will look at the role of women and gender in the host country's development project. Feminist critiques of development theory and institutions will be used to examine the social, political and economic aspects of development in the host country. This course will pay attention to women as clients of, and policy makers in, the development system. Same as: WMST 161.
  • PANAF 162 / Selected Topics in Nation Building (4) - view
    Given the broad nature of the program theme, the focus of this course will vary to meet the interests of students and the expertise of faculty. Any chosen topic will focus on how the particular issue under study has played out in the host country. Possible topics could include: Healthcare and the Politics of Development; Development and the Environment; Women in African Politics; Creating Civil Society; Negotiating Transitions to Political Independence; Women, War and Armed Insurrection; Agriculture and Rural Development; Africa and the World: Ignorant, Ambivalent, Responsible? Same as: WMST 162.
  • PANAF 163 / Independent Research/ Internship (4) - view
    Students will design an independent research proposal to explore a topic of interest related to the program theme. When appropriate and beneficial for all involved parties, a student's research project could be developed in conjunction with a local organization working on the topic the student is interested in. In order to assist the students in developing a research proposal, the Program Director will assign readings and spend time discussing methods of field research, including how to gather, organize and analyze the information they find. Same as: WMST 163. Same as: WMST 163.