Universität Wien
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143260 VO Language, Politics and Development in Africa (2026S)

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 14 - Orientalistik, Afrikawissenschaften, Südasien-, Tibet- und Buddhismusk
Moodle

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

max. 20 participants
Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Monday 02.03. 11:00 - 13:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 2 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-06
  • Monday 09.03. 11:00 - 13:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 2 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-06
  • Monday 16.03. 11:00 - 13:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 2 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-06
  • Monday 23.03. 11:00 - 13:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 2 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-06
  • Monday 13.04. 11:00 - 13:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 2 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-06
  • Monday 20.04. 11:00 - 13:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 2 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-06
  • Monday 27.04. 11:00 - 13:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 2 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-06
  • Monday 04.05. 11:00 - 13:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 2 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-06
  • Monday 11.05. 11:00 - 13:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 2 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-06
  • Monday 18.05. 11:00 - 13:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 2 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-06
  • Monday 01.06. 11:00 - 13:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 2 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-06
  • Monday 08.06. 11:00 - 13:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 2 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-06
  • Monday 15.06. 11:00 - 13:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 2 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-06
  • Monday 22.06. 11:00 - 13:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 2 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-06

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Course Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
 Analyze the relationship between language, politics, and development in post-colonial Africa.
 Critically examine how language policies and planning impact sociopolitical and economic dynamics in linguistically diverse African nation-states.
 Investigate the challenges and implications of using former colonial languages in official functions and governance.
 Explore how language shapes political discourse, propaganda, campaigns, and ethno-politics in African contexts.
 Assess the role of language in fostering or hindering national development and grassroots participation.
 Understand the intersection between language, ethnicity, nationalism, and globalization in African political landscapes.
 Apply theoretical and empirical approaches to analyze African case studies on language and politics.
 Develop critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate the sociopolitical complexities of language in Africa

Assessment and permitted materials

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Course Format: The course will take place once a week – every monday. It will involve lectures, discussions, debates and presentations.
Mode of delivery: Lectures will be hybrid (in-person and/or online)
Course Requirements: This is a BA and master’s course. There is no prerequisite for this course

Examination topics

Possible topics
- Critical/political discourse
- Propaganda
- Language and political ideology
- Language of hate & insults
- Ethnopolitics
- Language & gender
- Rhetorical devices
- Language policies
- Language & national integration
- Language & development

Reading list

Association in the course directory

SAS A
SAS B
SAS.VO1
SAS.VO2

Last modified: Mo 27.07.2026 09:27