HIST 401 - History of Sexualities in Africa

Research-based course examining the historical and cultural construction of sex and sexualities in Africa since the precolonial period. The idea of “sexual change” will be emphasized in order to educate students about how significant epochs such as the trans-Atlantic slave trade, colonial rule, and post-independence trajectories have defined and redefined the sexual components of African history. The clash between “traditional” and “modern”; “natural” and “unnatural”; “normal” and “abnormal”; and “legitimate” and “dissident” etc., sexualities will be explored. Closed to students with 0-29 hours.

Credits: 3