Universität Wien
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143256 VO Litaratures of West Africa (2022W)

MIXED

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

Language: German

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Friday 07.10. 11:00 - 13:00 Hybride Lehre
    Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-03
  • Friday 14.10. 11:00 - 13:00 Hybride Lehre
    Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-03
  • Friday 21.10. 11:00 - 13:00 Hybride Lehre
    Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-03
  • Friday 28.10. 11:00 - 13:00 Hybride Lehre
    Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-03
  • Friday 04.11. 11:00 - 13:00 Hybride Lehre
    Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-03
  • Friday 11.11. 11:00 - 13:00 Hybride Lehre
    Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Friday 18.11. 11:00 - 13:00 Hybride Lehre
    Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-03
  • Friday 25.11. 11:00 - 13:00 Hybride Lehre
    Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-03
  • Friday 02.12. 11:00 - 13:00 Hybride Lehre
    Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-03
  • Friday 09.12. 11:00 - 13:00 Hybride Lehre
    Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-03
  • Friday 13.01. 11:00 - 13:00 Hybride Lehre
    Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-03
  • Friday 20.01. 11:00 - 13:00 Hybride Lehre
    Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 1 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-03

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

General lecture in literary history with emphasis on 19th/20th century. The lecture provides insight into cultural forms and literary trends and uses selected texts to present cultural themes and debates that were and are influential in the literature of West Africa. Emphasis is on Senegal, Nigeria, and Ghana.

Topics and texts covered: Islamic literature; writing in African languages (Yoruba, Hausa); oral literature (Sounjata epic, oríkì), literature of the anti-slavery movement (Ignatius Sancho, Olaudah Equiano); popular forms of the 20th century (Yoruba Travelling Theatre; Onitsha Market Literature); literature of the négritude; Mbari Club and Black Orpheus; literature of decolonization (Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria); feminist literature.

Assessment and permitted materials

The exam consists of two parts:
1. submission of a written summary of a research article from the basic literature (2-3 pages, Times New Roman 12 pt, 1.5 lines). Submission on the date of the written examination.
2. a written exam in which you can choose two out of a total of five questions (groups) on aspects of the literary history of West Africa covered in the lecture.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Independent reading of the course literature is expected; ability to discuss the literary texts covered in the context of cultural debates and approaches to literary criticism in/about West Africa. Knowledge of English is required, as some of the course literature is in English. Knowledge of French is an advantage.

Examination topics

Content of the lecture and the basic literature provided on moodle for the respective units.

Reading list

Irele, Abiola and Simon Gikandi (eds 2004) The Cambridge History of African and Caribbean Literature. Volume 1 + 2. Cambridge University Press.
Owomoyela, Oyekan (ed. 2008) The Columbia Guide to West African Literature in English since 1945. Columbia University Press.
Course readings accompanying the individual units will be uploaded to moodle at the beginning of the semester and supplemented during the semester.

Association in the course directory

ÜAL 2/1, ÜAL 2/2, SAL/A, SAL/B
MA: SAL.VO.1, SAL.VO.2,
EC-148, EC-647

Last modified: Fr 03.10.2025 00:16