AHST 316 Arts of Africa

3 credits 45.0 hours
300 level undergraduate course

This course examines the rich history of African art and architecture from antiquities to the present day. There will be a particular focus on how African art from the continent and throughout the Diaspora has been misrepresented due to looting, trivialized as a mere curiosity by peripheral audiences, and underestimated by critiques grounded in Western standards. To explore this complicated history, students will learn how diverse populations faced external and internal factors that challenged the longevity of unique creative processes, performative expressions, and traditional practices. In so doing, students will become acquainted with African geography and political history as they investigate perennial themes including: the impact of regional empires and kingdoms on economics, religious beliefs, gendered roles, and cultural representations; as well as how cultural contacts and transactional relationships, from imperialism to colonization, problematize access to natural resources and foster global isolationism.

Prerequisites WRIT*102 or WRIT*102H

This course is not repeatable for credit.
This course can fulfill a discipline history elective, critical studies elective, or general elective requirement.