Universität Wien

143223 VO African Poetry Workshop (2020S)

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 14 - Orientalistik, Afrikanistik, Indologie und Tibetologie
Moodle

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Details

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Thursday 05.03. 13:00 - 15:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Thursday 19.03. 13:00 - 15:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Thursday 26.03. 13:00 - 15:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Thursday 02.04. 13:00 - 15:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Thursday 23.04. 13:00 - 15:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Thursday 30.04. 13:00 - 15:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Thursday 07.05. 13:00 - 15:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Thursday 14.05. 13:00 - 15:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Thursday 28.05. 13:00 - 15:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Thursday 04.06. 13:00 - 15:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Thursday 18.06. 13:00 - 15:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

In this course, after an introduction to the evolution of African poetry from the pre-1960’s era to the present, and after a survey of a typology of African poetry, participants will continually write poems about Africa and Africans in any language of their choice but most preferably in African languages, English, French or German. At later stages of the course these poems produced by the participants during the course will be subjected to critique and evaluation by all course participants and, where possible, by guest lecturers invited to read their own poetry.

Learning objectives:
 To provide learners with an understanding of African culture through the art of poetry
 To give learners the opportunity to study to appreciate African poetry
 To give learners the opportunity to write, read and critique African-themed poems

Methods: lecture, guest appearances, poetry writing, criticism, and multimedia presentation of self-produced poetry;
Class interaction will be in the form of lectures, student in-class writing of poems, critiques, guest poetry reading, computer-based electronic communications, and demonstrations of fundamental African poetry through photos and film, and fieldtrips to the African diaspora communities in Vienna.

Assessment and permitted materials

Producing a poetry collection volume of at least 10 poems about Africa and Africans in African languages, English, French or German as a term paper/exam.
Course assessment will be in form of a written exam on the last day of course, on June 25. Make sure you are available to take this exam!

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

No previous study on African literature is required. Students who graduate from this course are prepared to pursue more advanced courses in African literature.

Examination topics

Reading list

Texts/References/audio-visual materials:
Bayo Ogunjimi and Abdul-Rasheed Na'Allah. Introduction to African Oral Literature and Performance. Trenton, N.J.: Africa World Press, 2005. xxi + 256 pp. Notes. Bibliography. Index

Bodomo, A. B. 2017. Parallel text: a theoretical and methodological strategy for promoting African language literature in the twenty first century. In: Translation: A Transdisciplinary Journal, Issue 6, September 2017, p. 36-52.

Bodomo, Adams. 2007. Documenting Spoken and Sung texts of the Dagaaba of West Africa:
https://kb.osu.edu/dspace/bitstream/handle/1811/28815/37/EMR000028a.pdf
Empirical Musicology Review, Ohio

Mhlambi, B. 2012. Notes on African Language Poetry:
http://www.eisteddfod.co.za/Drama2012/Notes_on_african_language_poetry.htm

Mhlambi. xxx. African-Language Literatures (Innocentia Jabulisile Mhlambi)

Jerome Judson. 1980. The Poet’s Handbook. Writers’ Digest Books. Cincinnati, Ohio

Association in the course directory

SAL A, SAL B
EC-647
EC-148

Last modified: Fr 12.05.2023 00:17