HIST 046 PZ -African History through Film

Institution: Pitzer

Description: To understand Africa today, one must be able to place current issues within the broader historical trends that have dominated the continent?s past. This course will introduce students to the major themes of modern African history, from the late nineteenth century to the present. Fortunately for those studying Africa today, this history has been captured with quite extraordinary skill by African and non-African film directors alike. Ousmane Sembène, Djibril Diop Mambéty, Moussa Sene Absa, Abderrahmane Sissako, Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, Claire Denis, and Abbas Kiarostami have enriched and challenged our understanding of the continent through their art. This course, therefore, will examine the history of Africa through film. The class is interdisciplinary at its core, as it blends historical inquiry with anthropology and film studies. Lectures and short readings will address Africa?s history and complement the films. No previous experience with African studies is required.

Prerequisite(s): See the current course schedule for registration restrictions.

For up-to-date information on current course offerings and details, please refer to the Pitzer class schedule on MyCampus2 Portal .