Universität Wien

143341 PS Introductory Seminar in African Literatures: Queer Discourses in African Literature and Film (2022S)

4.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 14 - Orientalistik, Afrikanistik, Indologie und Tibetologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

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

max. 20 participants
Language: German

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Wednesday 09.03. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Wednesday 16.03. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Wednesday 23.03. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Wednesday 30.03. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Wednesday 06.04. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Wednesday 27.04. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Wednesday 04.05. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Wednesday 11.05. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Wednesday 18.05. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Wednesday 25.05. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Wednesday 01.06. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Wednesday 08.06. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Wednesday 15.06. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Wednesday 22.06. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10
  • Wednesday 29.06. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 4 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-10

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Queer lives in African contexts are characterized by the criminalization of same-sex sexuality in many African states; at the same time, the continent has, with South Africa, one of the most egalitarian legislations in the world, where protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation is enshrined in the constitution and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2006. Homophobic and transphobic government practices and discourses often legitimize themselves by claiming that homosexuality is "un-African."
In this proseminar, we engage literature and film as a field in which queer identities, realities, and histories(s) are explored, represented, and imagined from Africa-centered perspectives. We explore the extent to which literary and cultural forms open up alternative approaches to queer and non-binary ways of living and encourage deeper engagement with normative notions of sexuality and gender in African contexts. Based on selected films, novels and short stories, students are encouraged to develop their own themes and questions.

Assessment and permitted materials

1) course attendance and active participation in group discussions (oral).
2) drafting a concept for a proseminar paper of 1-2 pages including literature research
3) oral presentation of the topic with powerpoint
4) proseminar paper on a self-selected topic of about 10 pages (due on July 31st, 2022)

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Assessment relies on:
1) Attendance and active participation in group discussions: 20%.
2) Concept and oral presentation of the topic: 30%.
3) Proseminar paper: 50%
All requirements must be met in order to positively complete the proseminar.
Regular attendance is required, a maximum of three absences will be tolerated.
Literature and films are mostly in English, therefore appropriate knowledge of English is required.

Examination topics

No exam, see requirements above

Reading list

Novels:
- Emezi, Akwaeke (2018) Freshwater
- Huchu, Tendai (2010) The Hairdresser of Harare
- Okparanta, Chinelo (2015) Under the Udala Trees

Short fiction and poems anthologies:
- Mwachiro, Kevin (Hg. 2014) Invisible: Stories from Kenya’s Queer Community.
- Xaba, Makhosazana and Karen Martin (Hg. 2014) Queer Africa: New and Collected Fiction.

Movies:
- Jim Chuchu and Njoki Ngumi (2014) Stories of our Lives
- Wanuri Kahiu (2018) Rafiki

Research literature will be provided on moodle and researched independently by the students as part of the work process

Association in the course directory

PAL 1, PAL 2

Last modified: We 09.03.2022 12:48