Module description
Africa, a vast and varied continent, has produced some of the most exciting writing of the twenty-first century. This course draws on poetry, short stories, novels, memoir, photography, film and social media to examine literary depictions of love and longing. Written over the last twenty years, these texts focus on interpersonal relationships against a backdrop of changing times, marked by the losses of the past, focussed on the politics of the present. We explore love, sex and sexuality; literary depictions of family dynamics; the disruptions and dynamism of the diaspora; relationships transformed by conflict; and the nuances of LGBTQIA+ romance and resilience. The writers and artists, working in a range of languages (but all available in English), are likely to include Véronique Tadjo, Binyavanga Wainaina, Warsan Shire, Chinelo Okparanta, Zanele Muholi and Koleka Putuma.
Students may be encouraged to visit current (fee-charging) exhibitions in London.
Assessment details
1 x 3,000 word essay (100%)
Educational aims & objectives
This module aims to introduce students to contemporary African literature and to recent theoretical thinking about literary depictions of love, sexuality and romance in Africa. Students will develop their analytical and critical skills by engaging in close readings of a range of texts whilst considering the applicability of relevant insights from critical theory. Comparative and interpretative skills will be enhanced through discussions of cultural specificity and translation and by working with anthologies that bring together voices from across the continent. Attention will be paid to the nuances of cultural and political context throughout.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practical skills appropriate to a Level 5 module and in particular will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to critically engage with a range of contemporary African literary and visual texts
- Identify, analyse and communicate key concepts and theories about love, sex, sexuality and romance in the arts from Africa
- Evaluate ideas and frameworks developed in the wider field of love, sex and sexuality studies and apply them to African literature and visual cultures where appropriate and with caveats
- Develop independent reflections on this relatively new area of research, exploring the limitations and potential of existing criticism and identifying gaps and silences that deserve further investigation.
Teaching pattern
1-hour lecture and 1-hour seminar, weekly
Suggested reading list
The following small selection of books gives an indication of the material we are likely to cover and introduces some themes for the module:
- Ama Ata Aidoo (ed), African Love Stories (2006)
- Mati Diop, Atlantics (2019)
- bell hooks, all about love (2000)
- Chinelo Okparanta, Under the Udala Trees (2015)
- Koleka Putuma, Collective Amnesia (2017)
- Warsan Shire, Teaching my mother how to give birth (2011)