Africa in African Cinema

John C. McCall
Faner 3543
453-5010
jmccall@siu.edu

Office Hours:
10:00-Noon
Tues., Wed., Thurs.,
or by appointment

Course Objectives
This course is a general introduction to African culture and history through movies by African filmmakers. Students will watch a variety of popular movies, auteur films, documentaries, and music videos from Africa. We will learn aspects of African history, ethnology, and contemporary culture, while also learning how to appreciate African cinema. Each class will begin with a lecture providing cultural and historical context for the film narrative. Then we'll screen the film. We will end each class with a discussion and questions.

There are no books required for this course. All required readings, as well as some relevant music videos, are available on this website.

Course Structure
The course is divided into four units. Click on the links below for the calendar of movies, readings, and music videos for each unit:

First Unit: Mande Griotage (August 20 - September 10)

Second Unit: Senegal's Auteurs (September 17 - October 8)

Third Unit: The Congo After Lumumba (October 15 - October 29)

Final Unit: Nollywood's Africa (November 5 - December 12)

Attendance Policy
Missing one class means missing a week of the course. Therefore, class attendance is mandatory. Please notify me if you must miss class because of sickness or some other legitimate reason. (This does not include participating in extra-curricular events, or work for other classes.)

Reaction/Reflection Statements
We will be watching a movie every class session. You will write a "reaction/reflection statement" for each movie. (Comments on music videos are optional for extra credit.). The statement should be no less than one, and no more than two double-spaced pages. Statements are due the class meeting after the movie is screened. Late statements will not be accepted.

Reaction/reflection statements should discuss the movie and your thoughts about it. Your statement should draw on what you learned from the readings, lecture, and class discussion of the movie. Your statement should not, however, parrot these sources. Write what you think about the movie in your own words. Don't use quotes, and never cut-and-paste from something you didn't write. Your grade for the course will be based on your reaction/reflection statements and on your participation in class discussion.

Grading Rubric for Reaction/Reflection Statements

A = A very well-written essay with a clear voice that is engaged and perceptive.

B = A statement that satisfies the assignment.

C = An incoherent or ill-informed paper; or a paper with so many spelling and grammatical errors that it's hard to follow.

D = You really have to offend me to get one of these.

F = A paper that doesn't get turned in on time.

XF = "Extra-F" is for anyone who plagiarizes. It's an "F" - but it also means you will need to meet with me.

Plagiarism means representing someone else's work as your own. Any quoting or paraphasing from sources without proper citation will be treated as a violation of the student conduct code, and will be subject to prescribed University procedures. For more on the University's plagiarism policies visit SIUC's webpage on plagiarism.

ANTH 271 - African in African Cinema A course by John C. McCall SIUC Department of Anthropology Carbondale, IL 62901-4502	Back to top