African Studies


Faculty List

Associate Professors
D.L. Eyoh, MA, PhD (African Studies/Political Science)
M. Lo, Licence, MA, MSc, PhD (African Studies/Women and Gender Studies)

Assistant Professors
S. Aidid, Hon BA, MA, PhD (African Studies/History)
C. Azubuko-Udah, BA, MA, C Phil, PhD (African Studies/English)
N. Elamin, PhD (African Studies/Anthropology)
E. Kirigia, BA, MSc, PhD (African Studies/School of the Environment)

Associate Professors, Teaching Stream
A. Wasike, BA, MA, MEd, PhD (African Studies)

Assistant Professors, Teaching Stream (Part-Time)
M. Levin, BA, MSc, PhD (African Studies)

Introduction

How has the evolution of societies on the African continent been integral to universal human history? What factors, in the past and in our time, account for similarities and differences among Africa societies? How are patterns and challenges of development in African societies shaped by their location within the global political economy? How do representations of Africa in popular media influence our knowledge of African societies? What are the ethical dilemmas of the various ways in which we engage with African societies?

African Studies provides students unique opportunities to study the complexity and dynamism of African societies, the dynamics processes of socio-economic, cultural, environmental, and political transformations in Africa, the varied histories, ideas and institutions of Africa and its diasporas through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary lenses. It fosters a vibrant intellectual, social and cultural hub of academic excellence with a shared ethos and commitment to public scholarship, social justice, global citizenship, engaged scholarship and a praxis of inclusivity, epistemic diversity, and reflexive community engagement.

The interdisciplinary courses, through innovative and critical pedagogies, deal with cutting edge subjects such as political economy, African inventions, nationalism, development, aid, humanitarianism, NGOs, conflict and peacemaking, activism and political struggles, politics, African cultures, ecocriticism, environmental justice, climate change and sustainability, climate justice, food security, African feminisms, migration and displacement, gender and development, African environmentalism, land acquisition and struggles, health, black freedom, human rights, urbanization, African systems of thought, the slave trade, colonialism, the post-colonial state, Africa and its diaspora, Pan-Africanism, and globalization. Innovative pedagogies nurturing students’ intellectual curiosity, cultivating engaged, creative and critical thinking and teaching cutting edge courses that recognize Africa as a living place rather than merely as a site for intellectual speculation and study inform our teaching. The African Studies Centre also offers practical courses in African languages. These areas of emphasis are supported by a rich menu of African Studies courses that form the spin of the curriculum. Additional cross-listed courses with cognate disciplines and other interdisciplinary programs, drawn from disciplines in humanities, social sciences, and sciences, complement our offerings.

Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP)

The Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) stream is available to students who are entering Year 2 or Year 3 of study and are enrolled in the African Studies Specialist or African Studies Major.

Enrolment is limited and requires a supplemental application. Students enrolled in the ASIP stream will be required to complete mandatory Professional Development programming plus a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 20 months (Year 2 entry) or a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 16 months (Year-3 entry) of paid, full-time work experience. The time to degree completion for students enrolled in ASIP will normally be 5 years. There is an additional cost to participate in the ASIP stream.

Students will typically be admitted to the ASIP stream for the Fall term of Year 2 of study, however, in exceptional circumstances students, including transfer students, who enrolled in an eligible program in the Summer after Year 2 can be admitted to the ASIP stream for the Fall of Year 3. Acceptance into an ASIP stream in Year 3 is dependent on space and requires approval of the student’s academic unit and the Faculty of Arts & Science Experiential Learning & Outreach Support (ELOS) Office. Please refer to the ASIP eligibility page for further details. Please note Year 3 entry will not be available until Fall 2027.

Further details about ASIP, including eligibility requirements and application procedures, can be found in the ASIP section of the Calendar. Students may also visit the ASIP webpage or contact the ELOS office at asip@utoronto.ca.

 

Contact Information

Undergraduate Office

Email: undergraduatecoordinator.afr@utoronto.ca
Phone: 416-946-0282

Program Director

Professor Marieme Lo
Email: director.afr@utoronto.ca
Phone: 416-946-3218
 

Note About Program Completion

Students can complete only one program type – Specialist, Major, or Minor – in an individual area referenced with the same four-digit program code.

The African Studies programs impacted by this policy: ASSPE1707, ASMAJ1707, and ASMIN1707

African Studies Programs

African Studies Specialist (Arts Program) - ASSPE1707

Enrolment Requirements:

This is an open enrolment program. A student who has completed 4.0 credits may enrol in the program.

Students in this program have the option to request enrolment in the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) stream. Students can apply for the ASIP stream after Year 1 (Year 2 entry) or after Year 2 (Year 3 entry, starting Fall 2027). Full details about ASIP, including student eligibility, selection and enrolment, are available in the ASIP section of the Arts & Science Academic Calendar. Please note that the majority of students enter ASIP in Fall term of Year 2. Space is more limited for Year 3 entry. Students applying for Year 3 entry must have been admitted to the African Studies Specialist in the Summer after Year 2.

Completion Requirements:

Consult Undergraduate Coordinator: undergraduatecoordinator.afr@utoronto.ca or 416-946-0282.

(11.0 credits, including at least 4.0 credits at the 300+ level, with at least 1.0 credit at the 400-level)

Early years (100-200 level Core African Studies Courses):
1. 0.5 credit from AFR150Y1/​ AFR199H1/​ AFR250Y1/​ AFR251H1/​ AFR260H1/​ AFR270H1/​ AFR290H1/​ AFR298H1/​ AFR299H1/​ AFR299Y1

Higher Years:
2. 0.5 credit from research design courses: JQR360H1/​ AFR260H1/​ AFR454H1/​ AFR460H1/​ JAH350H1
3. 1.0 credit from AFR450Y1
4. 2.5 credits from Group A.
5. 2.0 credits from Group B.
6. 2.0 credits from Groups A or B
7. 2.0 credits in language courses from Group C (a progression in one language) or 2.0 credits in any major African language approved by the Program Committee.

Group A (Core African Studies Courses & by Africanist Faculty):
AFR150Y1, AFR199H1, AFR250Y1, AFR251H1, AFR260H1, AFR270H1, AFR290H1, AFR298H1, AFR299H1, AFR299Y1, AFR322H1, AFR340H1, AFR351Y1, AFR352H1, AFR353H1, AFR354H1, AFR355H1, AFR357H1, AFR358H1, AFR359H1, AFR365H1, AFR370H1, AFR389H1, AFR398H0, AFR398Y0, AFR450Y1, AFR451H1, AFR452H1, AFR454H1, AFR455H1, AFR459H1, AFR460H1, AFR490Y1, AFR491H1, AFR499H1, JAA377H1, JAH350H1, JQR360H1, an independent studies course approved by the Program Committee

Group B (Courses with African Studies Content):
ANT204H1, ANT205H1, ANT208H1, ANT348H1, ANT374H1, CAR220H1, CAR226H1, CIN332Y1, CIN372Y1, CSE444H1, DRM462H1, DTS200H1, DTS401H1, DTS402H1, ECO231H1, ECO232H1, ECO324H1, ENG270H1, ENT200H1, ENV221H1, ENV333H1, FCS392H1, FRE332H1, FRE334H1, FRE336H1, GGR112H1, HIS106Y1, HIS221H1, HIS222H1, HIS230H1, HIS359H1, HIS446H1, HIS487H1, HMB202H1, HMB203H1, HMB303H1, HMB323H1, HMB433H1, HMB443H1, JPR374H1, MGT230H1, MGT250H1, MGT201H1, NFS490H1, NMC343H1, NMC344H1, NMC376H1, NMC378H1, NMC379H1, NMC381H1, PHL380H1, POL201H1, POL223H1, POL486H1, POL417H1, POL418H1, POL445H1, POL447H1, POL479H1, POL488H1, POL489H1, RLG203H1, RLG204H1, RLG241H1, RLG312H1, RLG351H1, RLG355H1, SDS246H1, SDS355H1, SOC210H1, WGS273H1, WGS369H1, WGS385H1, WGS386H1, WGS426H1, WGS440H1

Group C (Core African Languages & other Language Options):
Swahili: AFR280Y1, AFR380Y1
Arabic: NML110Y1, NML210Y1
French: FSL221Y1/​ ( FSL220H1, FSL222H1), FSL321Y1/​ ( FSL320H1, FSL322H1)/ ( FSL421Y1/​ FSL420H1)
Portuguese: ( PRT101H1, PRT102H1), ( PRT201H1, PRT202H1)
OR 2.0 credits in any major African language approved by the Program Committee

Students in this program have the option to complete the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) stream.

Notes:

  • 4.0 credits must be 300/400-level (including at least 1.0 credit at the 400-level) of which at least 1.0 credit must be from Group A and another from Group B
  • Courses may only count toward one requirement. In the instance that a Y course is used to satisfy a 0.5 credit program requirement, the other half may be used toward another program requirement, where applicable.

African Studies Major (Arts Program) - ASMAJ1707

Enrolment Requirements:

This is an open enrolment program. A student who has completed 4.0 credits may enrol in the program.

Students in this program have the option to request enrolment in the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) stream. Students can apply for the ASIP stream after Year 1 (Year 2 entry) or after Year 2 (Year 3 entry, starting Fall 2027). Full details about ASIP, including student eligibility, selection and enrolment, are available in the ASIP section of the Arts & Science Academic Calendar. Please note that the majority of students enter ASIP in Fall term of Year 2. Space is more limited for Year 3 entry. Students applying for Year 3 entry must have been admitted to the African Studies Major in the Summer after Year 2.

Completion Requirements:

Consult Undergraduate Coordinator: undergraduatecoordinator.afr@utoronto.ca or 416-946-0282.

(6.0 credits, including 2.0 credits at the 300+ level)

First Year:
1.0.5 credit from AFR150Y1/​ AFR199H1/​ AFR250Y1/​ AFR251H1/​ AFR260H1/​ AFR270H1/​ AFR298H1/​ AFR299H1/​ AFR299Y1

Higher Years:
2. 0.5 credit from research design courses: JQR360H1/​ AFR260H1/​ AFR454H1/​ AFR460H1/​ JAH350H1
3. 1.0 credit from AFR450Y1
4. 2.0 credits from Group A.
5. 1.5 credits from Group B, or AFR280Y1 or AFR380Y1

Group A (Core African Studies Courses & by Africanist Faculty):
AFR150Y1, AFR199H1, AFR250Y1, AFR251H1, AFR260H1, AFR270H1, AFR290H1, AFR298H1, AFR299H1, AFR299Y1, AFR322H1, AFR340H1, AFR351Y1, AFR352H1, AFR353H1, AFR354H1, AFR355H1, AFR357H1, AFR358H1, AFR359H1, AFR365H1, AFR370H1, AFR389H1, AFR398H0, AFR398Y0, AFR450Y1, AFR451H1, AFR452H1, AFR454H1, AFR455H1, AFR459H1, AFR460H1, AFR490Y1, AFR491H1, AFR499H1, JAA377H1, JAH350H1, JQR360H1, an independent studies course approved by the Program Committee

Group B (Courses with African Studies Content):
ANT204H1, ANT205H1, ANT208H1, ANT348H1, ANT374H1, CAR220H1, CAR226H1, CIN332Y1, CIN372Y1, CSE444H1, DRM462H1, DTS200H1, DTS401H1, DTS402H1, ECO231H1, ECO232H1, ECO324H1, ENG270H1, ENT200H1, ENV221H1, ENV333H1, FCS392H1, FRE332H1, FRE334H1, FRE336H1, GGR112H1, HIS106Y1, HIS221H1, HIS222H1, HIS230H1, HIS359H1, HIS446H1, HIS487H1, HMB202H1, HMB203H1, HMB303H1, HMB323H1, HMB433H1, HMB443H1, JPR374H1, MGT230H1, MGT250H1, MGT201H1, NFS490H1, NMC343H1, NMC344H1, NMC376H1, NMC378H1, NMC379H1, NMC381H1, PHL380H1, POL201H1, POL223H1, POL486H1, POL417H1, POL418H1, POL445H1, POL447H1, POL479H1, POL488H1, POL489H1, RLG203H1, RLG204H1, RLG241H1, RLG312H1, RLG351H1, RLG355H1, SDS246H1, SDS355H1, SOC210H1, WGS273H1, WGS369H1, WGS385H1, WGS386H1, WGS426H1, WGS440H1

Students in this program have the option to complete the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) stream

Notes:

  • At least 2.0 credits from Groups A and/or B must be at the 300/400-level
  • Courses may only count toward one requirement. In the instance that a Y course is used to satisfy a 0.5 credit program requirement, the other half may be used toward another program requirement, where applicable.

African Studies Minor (Arts Program) - ASMIN1707

Enrolment Requirements:

This is an open enrolment program. A student who has completed 4.0 credits may enrol in the program.

Completion Requirements:

Consult Undergraduate Coordinator: undergraduatecoordinator.afr@utoronto.ca or 416-946-0282.

(4.0 credits, including 1.0 credit at the 300+level)

Early years (100-200 level Core African Studies Courses):
1. AFR150Y1/​ AFR199H1/​ AFR250Y1/​ AFR251H1/​ AFR260H1/​ AFR270H1/​ AFR290H1/​ AFR298H1/​ AFR299H1/​ AFR299Y1

Higher Years:
2. 1.0 credit from Group A
3. 1.0 credit from Group A or B
4. 1.0 credit from Group B or AFR280Y1, or AFR380Y1

Group A (Core African Studies Courses & by Africanist Faculty):
AFR150Y1, AFR199H1, AFR250Y1, AFR251H1, AFR260H1, AFR270H1, AFR290H1, AFR298H1, AFR299H1, AFR299Y1, AFR322H1, AFR340H1, AFR351Y1, AFR352H1, AFR353H1, AFR354H1, AFR355H1, AFR357H1, AFR358H1, AFR359H1, AFR365H1, AFR370H1, AFR389H1, AFR398H0, AFR398Y0, AFR450Y1, AFR451H1, AFR452H1, AFR454H1, AFR455H1, AFR459H1, AFR460H1, AFR490Y1, AFR491H1, AFR499H1, JAA377H1, JAH350H1, JQR360H1, an independent studies course approved by the Program Committee

Group B (Courses with African Studies Content):
ANT204H1, ANT205H1, ANT208H1, ANT348H1, ANT374H1, CAR220H1, CAR226H1, CIN332Y1, CIN372Y1, CSE444H1, DRM462H1, DTS200H1, DTS401H1, DTS402H1, ECO231H1, ECO232H1, ECO324H1, ENG270H1, ENT200H1, ENV221H1, ENV333H1, FCS392H1, FRE332H1, FRE334H1, FRE336H1, GGR112H1, HIS106Y1, HIS221H1, HIS222H1, HIS230H1, HIS359H1, HIS446H1, HIS487H1, HMB202H1, HMB203H1, HMB303H1, HMB323H1, HMB433H1, HMB443H1, JPR374H1, MGT230H1, MGT250H1, MGT201H1, NFS490H1, NMC343H1, NMC344H1, NMC376H1, NMC378H1, NMC379H1, NMC381H1, PHL380H1, POL201H1, POL223H1, POL486H1, POL417H1, POL418H1, POL445H1, POL447H1, POL479H1, POL488H1, POL489H1, RLG203H1, RLG204H1, RLG241H1, RLG312H1, RLG351H1, RLG355H1, SDS246H1, SDS355H1, SOC210H1, WGS273H1, WGS369H1, WGS385H1, WGS386H1, WGS426H1, WGS440H1

Notes:

  • At least 1.0 credit must be a 300/400-level course from Groups A and/or B

African Studies Courses

AFR150Y1 - Africa: A Critical Introduction

Previous Course Number: NEW150Y1

Hours: 48L/24T

A multi-disciplinary study of Africa, emphasizing critical inquiry and analysis of Africa, the cradle of humanity and the most diverse and second largest continent in the world. Topics that will be explored include: pre-colonial, colonial and contemporary African history, cultures, economies, geographies, Africa’s place in the world, politics, religions, spirituality, art, literature, music, race, resistance, gender, sexuality, futurism, environment, Afrofuturism, anticolonial worldmaking, and Pan-Africanism. The course provides a unique opportunity to learn from the African Studies faculty representing diverse geographical and disciplinary backgrounds who will share their cutting-edge research and unique experiences, reading and writing practices.

Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3), Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

AFR199H1 - Africa in Toronto

Hours: 24L

Africa in Toronto offers students the unique opportunity to trace, map and document sites and encounters with “Africa” in Toronto across diverse social, political, economic, linguistic and cultural communities in the GTA.

What are the diasporic lives of diverse African communities in the GTA? How does Toronto become home for them? Students will get the chance to learn about, reflect on and reimagine global Africa in the GTA by exploring topics such as placemaking, community-building, the politics of belonging, organizing and activism, economic hubs, artistic creation and expressive cultures, foodways and the epic battle over jollof rice. Restricted to first-year students. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

AFR250Y1 - Africa in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities

Previous Course Number: NEW250Y1

Hours: 48L

A critical examination of Africa as a living space rather than merely a site of intellectual speculation and study. Uses scholarly and popular literature to explore the issues that engage the attention of ordinary Africans, ranging from the dramatic to the seemingly trivial, as they struggle to fashion meaningful lives in fast-changing societies. Topics include urban transition and city life; economic, political and cultural impacts of globalization; new religious movements and changing conceptions of selfhood; new African diasporas in the West; dynamics of gender relations, kinships and identities; and the politics of liberalization. Materials studied will include print and electronic news media and other mass media resources from Africa and across the world.

Exclusion: NEW250Y1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1), Society and its Institutions (3)

AFR251H1 - Language, Freedom and Linguistic Human Rights in Africa

Hours: 24L

Examines the language situation in Africa and the extent to which freedom and linguistic human rights are enabled, granted, nurtured, achieved or protected by post-colonial African states. Using linguistic diversity in Africa as a backdrop, presents, discusses and assesses language policies that were adopted by post-colonial African states, particularly in education, and the implications that these policies have for the rights, freedom and empowerment of citizens of African states. Changes and evolving trends in language use and language planning are also discussed.

Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1/ AFR250Y1/ AFR290H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

AFR260H1 - Land, Life, and Livelihoods

Hours: 24L

This course aims to challenge the often-uncritical understanding of land as a thing, object, or a commodity by engaging with land as a bricolage of multiple, dynamic assemblages. Land attracts manifold meanings in different cultural contexts and engenders vibrant discourses around identity, place, and belonging. The materiality of land, fixed in place as to not be ‘rolled up like a mat and taken away’, accords human and other-than-human life affordances that are vital to sustenance of life, and provides a fabric on which stories and histories are deeply embedded. In the African context, land constitutes a site where key political struggles transpire, key amongst them struggles against colonialism, and where African futures obtain form and meaning. It is on land that global interests have hugely converged as characterized by global land grabbing and quests for minerals and resources that offer hope to world’s future(s). These features of land impel us to discuss the institutions that govern land and related inscription devices such as maps and boundaries; technologies and techniques that seek to ‘improve’ agricultural productivity and biodiversity conservation; and the impacts of climate change on life and livelihoods in Africa.

Prerequisite: Completion of 2.0 credits
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1/ AFR199H1/ AFR250Y1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

AFR270H1 - African Literature and the Politics of Storytelling

Hours: 24L

Focuses on the art and politics of storytelling across the continent. Students will engage with various kinds of narrative genres from great African novels to short stories, folktales, popular African films from Nollywood and other industries, as well as more recent forms of storytelling from social media. Topics of discussion will include globalization, colonialism, post-coloniality, neo-imperialism, environmental justice, ecocriticism, artistic expression and African identities. This novel course offers a combination of a wide range of literary and non-literary narrative genres as well as a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches to textual analysis from decolonial theories to ecocriticism, postcolonial environmentalisms, narrative theory, as well as more traditional methods of literary criticism and analysis.

Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

AFR280Y1 - Introductory Swahili

Previous Course Number: NEW280Y1

Hours: 24L/72T

Introduction to grammar and basic vocabulary of Swahili. Emphasis on comprehension and oral practice. Reading of selected texts. Relation of the language to its East African cultural context.

Exclusion: NEW280Y1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

AFR290H1 - The Idea of Africa

Hours: 24L/12T

An historical examination of Africa as a conceptual category, exploring discourses and representations - both African and non-African - that have produced our understandings of the meanings of Africa and Africanness.

Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AFR298H1 - Popular Uprisings in Africa

Hours: 24L

In recent years, popular uprisings have mobilized thousands in over 40 African countries, to demand a radical overhauling of existing economic and political systems. This course asks: What are the catalysts, underlying causes and demands of these protest movements? What can we learn from the grassroots organizing that allowed these movements to gain momentum? How might scholars and activists analyzing the popular uprisings in their countries, allow us to develop new vocabularies and frameworks for understanding popular protests and theories of revolution? Case Studies will include popular uprisings in Sudan, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Senegal, Cameroon, Djibouti, DRC, Eswatini and Nigeria and reflect on similar movements around the world.

Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AFR299H1 - Research Opportunity Program

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details at https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/academics/research-opportunities…. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

AFR299Y1 - Research Opportunity Program

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details at https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/academics/research-opportunities…. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

AFR322H1 - The Contemporary African Novel

Previous Course Number: NEW322H1, NEW322Y1

Hours: 24S

Novels written in the last forty years by English, French and Portuguese-speaking Africans. Ideological views concerning colonialism and neo-colonialism. Tradition, religious and secular; the use of African symbolism. A small number of historical and sociological texts are recommended as essential background reading. Works not written in English are read in translation. (Offered in alternate years)

Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

AFR340H1 - The Literary Lives of African Women

Hours: 24L

This course will track the literary history of African women through their writings. Students will study a variety of texts including memoirs, novels, short stories, creative non-fiction, drama, and poetry produced by African women with an eye to the politics of representation and legibility in these texts. This course will ask, how have African women written about their relationships to colonization, domesticity, citizenship, and national politics? It will also engage questions about the varieties of their experiences with motherhood, knowledge-making, displacement, citizenship, and belonging.

Prerequisite: Completion of 6.0 credits
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1/ AFR270H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

JAH350H1 - AIDS, Outbreaks, Pandemics: Challenges and Successes in Africa

Previous Course Number: JNH350H1

Hours: 24L

Explores a range of historical and current outbreaks, pandemics and epidemics such as AIDS, COVID-19 and Ebola in Africa through a social science lens. It introduces students to major concepts, events and debates that have and continue to shape understanding of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Ebola outbreak and COVID-19 pandemic, and the challenges and responses to these distinct health crises. Through a critical lens, students will engage diverse and interdisciplinary scholarship from public health, medical anthropology, sociology, African studies, and related fields within the health and social sciences fields to explore the converging factors that influence responses to health crises and their broader implications.

Prerequisite: 9.0 credits
Exclusion: JNH350H1
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1/ AFR290H1 or HMB203H1/ HMB202H1 or interested students with relevant background
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AFR351Y1 - African Systems of Thought

Previous Course Number: NEW351Y1, NEW252Y1

Hours: 48L

The exploration of a range of African cosmologies, epistemologies, and theologies, as well as specific case studies on justice, the moral order, and gender relations. The influence of these richly diverse traditions is traced as well in the writings of African thinkers in the Diaspora.

Exclusion: NEW351Y1, NEW252Y1, JAP256H1/ JAP356H1
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3), Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

AFR352H1 - International Organizations, NGOs, Development and Change in Africa

Previous Course Number: NEW352H1

Hours: 24L

Critically explores the role of international organizations such as the World Bank Group, the UN and NGOs in the economic development of Africa.

Prerequisite: AFR150Y1/ AFR250Y1
Exclusion: NEW352H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AFR353H1 - International Relations of Africa

Previous Course Number: NEW353H1

Hours: 24L

Explores inter-state relations in Africa, African states’ relations with the West, China, India, Brazil, and international political, economic and financial institutions.

Prerequisite: AFR150Y1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AFR354H1 - African Cultures and Development

Previous Course Number: NEW354H1

Hours: 24L

Critically examines scholarly debates on the relationships between African cultures and development in various regions of the continent. Draws on interdisciplinary scholarship and development discourses to enhance students' understanding of African conditions and cultures in the context of development thinking.

Prerequisite: Completion of 9.0 credits.
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1/ AFR250Y1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AFR355H1 - African Youth Languages and Cultures

Previous Course Number: NEW355H1

Hours: 24L

Examines the nature of youth languages and cultures in contemporary Africa with a focus on their characteristics and the conditions under which they develop. Also considers similarities and/or differences between youth languages and cultures in different regions of Africa and the general youth condition. Includes urban youth languages such as Sheng, Engsh, Tsotsitaal, etc. and music genres associated with youth such as hip hop, Bongo flava, etc. Discusses challenges and opportunities associated with African youth languages as they relate to questions of identity, national integration, regional integration, and development.

Prerequisite: Completion of 9.0 credits.
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1/ AFR250Y1
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

AFR357H1 - Special Topics in African Studies

Previous Course Number: NEW357H1

Hours: 24L

An upper level course. Topics of study vary from year to year.

Prerequisite: Completed 9.0 credits.

AFR358H1 - Special Topics in African Studies

Previous Course Number: NEW358H1

Hours: 24L

An upper level course. Topics of study vary from year to year.

Prerequisite: Completed 9.0 credits.

AFR359H1 - The Horn of Africa - Critical Perspectives

Previous Course Number: NEW359H1

Hours: 24L

Examines the Horn of Africa, its diversity, geopolitics, cultural politics, present conditions and current debates through a critical and comparative lens. Considers social forces in contemporary politics within the region including competing claims, explanations of the underpinnings of the Horn's conflict, and the promise of peace. Draws upon interdisciplinary scholarship, public discourse, texts and media to reflect on the future of the Horn of Africa at this historical moment.

Prerequisite: Completion of at least 4.0 credits
Exclusion: NEW359H1, NEW357H1 (Special Topics in African Studies: The Horn of Africa: Critical Perspectives) offered in Fall 2018, Fall 2019
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1/ AFR250Y1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AFR365H1 - Art, Media and Politics in Africa and the African Diaspora

Hours: 24L

Explores the critical intersections between art, media and politics by analyzing the making and circulation of various indigenous and modern art forms and their use as creative and radical strategies for creative expression, dissent, citizenship, and alternative forms of representation, reimaginings, transcendence and agency in African post-colonial contexts, and interconnected with the African Diaspora.

Prerequisite: Completion of 4.0 credits.
Exclusion: NEW357H1 (Special Topics in African Studies: Art, Media and Politics in Africa and the African Diaspora), offered in Winter 2019 and Fall 2019
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

AFR370H1 - Anticolonialism, Radicalism and Revolutions in Africa

Hours: 24L

An interdisciplinary exploration of the histories of nationalist and revolutionary movements, ideologies, and regimes in twentieth and twenty-first century Africa, examining the various ways that Africans imagined, actively shaped, and continue to demand freedom and political modernity. Emphasis will be placed on African history methodology (including oral history) and historiography to encourage students to apply a historical lens to approaching key themes and concepts in African Studies such as nationalism, decolonization, the state, politics, citizenship, labour movements, and pro-democracy movements.

Prerequisite: Completion of 4.0 credits
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1/ HIS295Y1/ HIS297Y1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

JAA377H1 - Black Radical Theory from the Global South: Anthropological Perspectives

Hours: 24L

This course will survey the works of Black theorists and anthropologists from the Global South, who are shaping current debates within and beyond the discipline of Anthropology, concerning colonialism and decolonization, Marxism, indigeneity, political economy, Black radical thought, queer theory and decolonial feminism. Students will look at how these works challenge the “Northern Academy’s monoliteracy” (Musila), politics of knowledge production and construction of the Global South as primarily a site of fieldwork and research extraction. Authors will include Sylvia Tamale, Wangui Kimari, Sabelo Ndlovu-Matsheni, Ochy Curiel, Keguro Macharia, Beatriz Nascimento, Michel-Rolph Trouillot and Abdelghaffar Ahmed.

Prerequisite: ANT204H1/ ANT207H1/ ANT215H1/ AFR150Y1/ AFR290H1/ AFR298H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AFR380Y1 - Intermediate Swahili

Previous Course Number: NEW380Y1

Hours: 24L/72T

Grammar and syntax. Conversation and written composition. Reading of texts: literary, journalistic. Relation of the language to its East African context.

Prerequisite: AFR280Y1
Exclusion: NEW380Y1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

AFR389H1 - The Geopolitics and Debates on Africa-China Economic Relations

Hours: 24L

Explores the geopolitics of Africa-Asia relations, in particular, the unabated and polarized debates and narratives on China’s engagement across sectors in Africa, ‘Africa-China’ multifaceted trade relations, strategies and interests, and economic diplomacy. Critically examines the changing landscape of economic cooperation and development financing in contemporary Africa, their underlying impulses and their broader implications.

Prerequisite: Completion of 4.0 credits
Exclusion: NEW357H1/ AFR357H1 (Special Topics in African Studies: The Geopolitics and Debates on Africa-China Economic Relations), offered in Fall 2020 and Fall 2021
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1/ AFR250Y1/ AFR353H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AFR391H1 - African Studies Independent Study Course

Hours: 24S

The African Studies Independent Study course is designed both to complement regular offerings in African Studies and to provide an opportunity for African Studies students to enrich their studies. Aided and advised by a faculty supervisor, students will conduct extensive research, read relevant literature, and plan, execute, analyze and report on an original and independent investigation of an appropriate topic.

Prerequisite: At least 9.0 credits
Exclusion: NEW391H1 (New College Independent Studies), offered between Winter 2020 to Winter 2023
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1/ AFR250Y1/ AFR290H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

AFR398H0 - Research Excursion Program

Hours: 48S

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details at https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/faculty-staff/experiential-learning/international-indigenous/research-excursions-program. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: Completion of 9.0 credits.
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1/ AFR250Y1/ AFR290H1

AFR398Y0 - Research Excursion Program

Previous Course Number: NEW398Y0

Hours: 48S

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details at https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/faculty-staff/experiential-learning/international-indigenous/research-excursions-program. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: Completion of 9.0 credits
Exclusion: NEW398Y0
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1/ AFR250Y1/ AFR290H1

AFR450Y1 - African Studies Honours Research Seminar

Previous Course Number: NEW450Y1

Hours: 24S

This honours research seminar required of all specialists and majors in African Studies offers critical explorations of the genealogy of African Studies, the transnational study of Africa, Africa’s place in a globalized world, the historical, intellectual and institutional contexts of Africanist knowledge production, its dissemination and consumption in Africa, Europe, the Americas and emerging academic sites in Asia. It engages with the paradigm shifts and vibrant scholarly and epistemic debates across disciplines and geographies as well as unfolding events, public discourses, geopolitics, African popular cultures and the reimagining of African futures through canonical, emergent scholarship and creative media. It emphasizes students’ original and creative research explorations, engaged praxis and search for alternative theorizing and decolonial epistemologies. It is also open to upper level students interested in African Studies and/or research in and on Africa.

Prerequisite: AFR150Y1 or any 200-level or 300-level Group A Course. Students who do not meet the prerequisites are encouraged to contact the department.
Recommended Preparation: Any group A courses
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3), Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

AFR451H1 - Special Topics in African Studies

Previous Course Number: NEW451H1

Hours: 24L

An upper level course. Topics of study vary from year to year.

Prerequisite: Completion of 9.0 credits.

AFR452H1 - Kiswahili in a Globalized World

Hours: 24L

Examines the state and role of Kiswahili in the globalized world of the 21st century. Traces the changes in the roles of Kiswahili over time from its beginnings as a local East African coastal language to its current status as a regional and international lingua franca, and gives students an opportunity to interact with Kiswahili speakers in Toronto. Explores the challenges and opportunities arising from contact with other cultures and languages through globalization. Globalization as a potent force and its effects on Kiswahili are discussed in detail.

Prerequisite: Completion of 9.0 credits
Recommended Preparation: AFR280Y1/ AFR380Y1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

AFR454H1 - Migration, Mobility, and Displacement in Contemporary Africa

Previous Course Number: NEW454H1

Hours: 24S

Why do people move voluntarily or involuntarily? What are the causes and consequences of migration and displacement in Africa? This course critically examines the multifaceted dimensions of migration, mobility, and displacement, with a specific focus on communities and populations displaced by war, environmental destruction and disaster, economic failings, and the quest for economic opportunities, love, education, or individual freedom.

Prerequisite: Completion of 9.0 credits.
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1/ AFR250Y1/ AFR298H1/ AFR353H1/ AFR340H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AFR455H1 - Conflicts, Negotiations and Peacebuilding in Africa

Previous Course Number: NEW455H1

Hours: 24S

Examines conflicts and peace negotiations in African contexts such as Somalia, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and North Africa through public discourse, citizen actions, policy debates and mobilizations. Explores formal, informal, indigenous and institutional mediation and peace negotiation platforms, strategies, and impulses. Analyzes various conflict zones, case studies and intervention strategies for negotiating and sustaining peace in Africa in the broader context of the war on terror, increasing militarism, and securitization in peacebuilding.

Prerequisite: Completion of 9.0 credits.
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1/ AFR250Y1/ AFR270H1/ AFR298H1/ AFR353H1/ AFR359H1/ AFR370H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AFR459H1 - Advanced Special Topics in African Studies

Previous Course Number: NEW459H1

Hours: 24L

An upper-level course. Topics of study vary from year to year.

Prerequisite: Completion of 9.0 credits.

AFR460H1 - Climate Change, Food Security, and Sustainability in Africa

Hours: 24L

Food security is a critical challenge for many African countries and, in the past decades, has been exacerbated by climate change. To understand the complexities of food insecurity and to explore possible pathways for a food-secure Africa, we ask: what is the nexus between food security, climate change, and sustainability in Africa? How is food security intertwined with livelihood security, rights, justice, resource governance, conflicts, natural disasters, uncertainties, and risks and vulnerabilities? What are the challenges and opportunities for sustainable futures in Africa? Which theoretical frameworks illuminate these complexities? Students will learn through case study analyses, guest lectures, modeling and scenario-building exercises, and engagement with indigenous knowledge systems, canonical and emergent interdisciplinary scholarship on the topic.

Prerequisite: Completion of 9.0 credits
Exclusion: AFR459H1 (Topic: Climate Change, Food Security and Sustainability in Africa), offered in Winter 2022 and Winter 2024
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1/ AFR250Y1/ AFR270H1/ AFR290H1/ AFR298H1/ AFR352H1/ AFR359H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AFR465H1 - African Cities and Urban Futures

Hours: 24L

From slums, bustling cultural scenes and cityscapes, to diaspora lanes, African cities show diverse trajectories, inequalities and uneven pace of urbanization. Challenging clichés of African cities as ‘dystopian’ and ‘off the map’, this course critically examines the processes and dynamics of urban transformation and rapid urbanization of African cities and their socio-cultural, ecological, political and economic implications. It interrogates key drivers of urbanization, sustainable urban development, livelihoods, inclusive and just urbanism challenges, urban policies and governance, and the reimagining of African urban futures. Students will learn from cutting edge scholarship and engage with speakers and Africa-based city-builders, policy makers, artists, activists, and social entrepreneurs.

Prerequisite: Completion of 9.0 credits
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1 or AFR290H1 or interested students with relevant background
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AFR490Y1 - African Studies Independent Study Course

Hours: 48S

The African Studies Independent Study course is designed both to complement regular offerings in African Studies and to provide an opportunity for African Studies students to enrich their studies. Aided and advised by a faculty supervisor, students will conduct extensive research, read relevant literature, and plan, execute, analyze and report on an original and independent investigation of an appropriate topic. The exact Breadth Requirement category to be assigned to this course is based on the topic chosen by the student and approved by their faculty supervisor.

Prerequisite: At least 9.0 credits

Exclusion: NEW490Y1 (if taken before 2025)
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1/ AFR250Y1/ AFR290H1

AFR491H1 - African Studies Independent Study Course

Hours: 48S

The African Studies Independent study course is designed both to complement regular offerings in African Studies and to provide an opportunity for African Studies students to enrich their studies. Students, aided and advised by a faculty supervisor, will conduct extensive research, read relevant literature, and plan, execute, analyze and report on an original and independent investigation of an appropriate topic. The exact Breadth Requirement category to be assigned to this course is based on the topic chosen by the student and approved by their faculty supervisor.

Prerequisite: At least 9.0 credits

Exclusion: NEW490H1 [If taken before 2025]
Recommended Preparation: AFR150Y1/ AFR250Y1/ AFR290H1

AFR499H1 - Advanced Topics in African Studies

Hours: 24S

A joint graduate/undergraduate upper-level seminar. Topics vary from year to year, depending on the instructor. Consult the Program Office for course enrolment procedures.

Prerequisite: Completion of 9.0 credits.

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