UNV 100: Sites and Sounds of Africa

UNV 100--- Sites and Sounds of Africa is a First Year Experience course, designed among other things, "to help students see the world through the eyes of another culture." The focus is on Africa, the second largest continent in the world, famous for its human, natural, physical, linguistic, cultural contrasts, and diversities. Students will explore the continent’s diversities and contrast in the above areas using four selected countries for illustration. The countries represent four geographic regions: West, East, North, and South.

• Nigeria (West), the most populous country in Africa and leading producer of oil.
• Kenya (East), the world’s largest center of wildlife and game reserves.
• Egypt (North), the land of the Pharaohs and the Pyramids.
• South Africa (South), the world’s largest producer of gold, and the home of Dr. Nelson Mandela.

The course encourages students to reflect on some complex cultural and political issues identified in each country. At the end of the semester, students will make group presentations on topics of interest about their chosen country. The course will end with an “African Cultural Immersion” (art exhibitions, fashion show, dramatic skits, African foods/dishes, etc.).

--Syllabus for UNV 100: Sites and Sounds of Africa

Course Objectives:

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand and appreciate the nature and vastness of the African continent, and that Africa is a continent and not a country.
• Demonstrate in writing an awareness of depth and scope of the contrasts and diversities which characterize the African continent, its peoples and cultures.
• Identify and enumerate the various mineral resources of Africa.
• Show how Africa’s rich natural resources have helped to shape trade and international relations with other parts of the world.
• Analyze and explain the importance of the African continent to the rest of the world particularly the United States.
• Summarize the impact that any of the works read/discussed may have had on you as a person.

Course Goals

Through the reading and discussion of course materials, and the viewing and discussion of video documentary/films, students will be able to:

• Read, discuss, analyze and interpret topics about Africa – its peoples and cultures with keen insight and objectivity.
• Read creative and non-creative writings on Africa and broaden their knowledge about African societies, cultures, and life-styles.
• Examine the major themes, issues, and values raised in the short stories, and compare them with situations in their own country or culture.
• Develop an appreciation for the cultural richness and diversity of Africa.
• Relate the events in the course materials to their own experiences and cultures.
• Express orally or in writing the various contributions Africa and Africans make to global order, international trade, and world peace.

--Syllabus for UNV 100: Sites and Sounds of Africa