West African Film+Culture PDF

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Spring 2022

IAFF 3189 West African Film & Culture Syllabus

Instructor: Abdoulaye W Dukulé Email: [email protected] Phone: +1-443 763 1342 Office: [Location] Sync Session: Th. 11:10 – 2:30 Virtual Office Hours: 2-3 MW Credits: 3

Course Description & Goals “If Africans do not tell their own stories, Africa will soon disappear. ” Sembène Ousmane Culture encompasses every aspect of society. As a medium, film attempts to incorporate in its body not only the various aspects of society, but it also tells its own story as an art. We will study West African Film both as an art and as a vehicle of cultural values of society – history, social dynamics, politics, arts -. This multi-disciplinary course combines a study of film to explore various aspects of the history, politics and arts of West Africa and introduce students to some of the region’s foremost filmmakers who depict life from various perspectives. Using frameworks drawn from film theory and literary analysis, we will explore issues such as gender, history and tradition, class, social and political change, and the constant quest for emancipation in West Africa. We will review and analyze a wide range of cinematic content displaying cultural, political, and economic issues from the colonial era and the early years of independence to today and relating them to developments in contemporary Africa. We will begin with an introduction to the West African region—the diversity of cultures, religions, societal norms, political dynamics, and history. In the first half of the semester, after a brief introduction to the principles of film theory, we will view and critically

Syllabus

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analyze the seminal works of West African cinema, from the “father of African cinema” Ousmane Sembène to the booming Nigerian “Nollywood” film industry. In the first part of course, we will familiarize ourselves with various approaches to film theory and in the latter part, we will use those theories to analyze the films.

Learning Outcomes & Objectives By the end of this course, you will be able to: 1. Describe key trends in political, social, and economic dynamics in a postindependence West Africa and how they are shaped by the region’s pre-colonial, colonial, and liberation experiences. 2. Discuss the role that West African cinema and literature have played in serving as vehicle for new social dynamics and narratives of emancipation. 3. Apply basic principles of film theory and literary criticism to critically analyze cinematic and literary work as a means of understanding societal context. 4. Develop your own voice and perspective and communicate your analysis clearly and concisely, in both spoken and written work.

Methods of Instruction This course uses the following methods of instruction: Class will include an opening lecture that gives context for the featured film or literary work, followed by a student-centered discussion based on your analysis and interpretation of the featured work. Classes will end with an examination of how the issues discussed are relevant in contemporary Africa and, perhaps, in our own experiences. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

1. Lecture: Each class will start with a lecture on the topic of the day. 2. Students will make presentations, solo or in group as assigned. 3. General discussion of the film or book of the week. 4. Review of literature and assignment for the next session A short video selection or guest lecturer 5. Journal Entries: Students will present to the rest of the class their journal entries on film or literature.

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Credit Hour Policy Prerequisites Academic There is no prerequisite for this course.

Technological As an online student, it is necessary to possess baseline technology skills to participate fully in the course. Please consult the GW Online website for further information about recommended configurations and support. If you have questions or problems with technology for this course, please consult the Technology Help link in the left navigation menu in our course in Blackboard. You should be able to: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Use a personal computer and its peripherals. Use word processing and other productivity software. Use the webcam and microphone on your device. Use your computer to upload recordings and images to your computer. Seek technology help by contacting GW Information Technology (202-994-4948).

If you have any problems with the software in this course, please reference the Technology Help link in the left navigation menu in our course on Blackboard.

Course Materials & Requirements Reading material: Films (all available online): The following films are retained for the course and must be viewed by students prior to class: 1.

Afrique 50 (1950), by René Vautier

2.

Sembène ! (2015), Samba Gadjigo

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3.

Black Girl, (1966), by Ousmane Sembène

4.

Xala, (1974), Ousmane Sembène

5.

Keita (1992), Dani Kouyaté

6.

Yelen, (1987), Souleymane Cissé,

7.

Beast of No Nation (2015), Cary J. Fukunaga

8.

Timbuktu (2014), Abdurrahman Sissako

9.

Azali, (2018), Kwabena Gyansah

10.

Atlantics (2019), Mati Diop

11.

Nha Fala (2002), Flora Gomes

12..

Up North (2017), Tope Oshin

Grading & Assessment This course uses a percent-based grading schema, as shown below. Assignment Type

Point Value Per Assignment

Number of Assignment s

Total [Percent / Points] of Final Grade

Enter assignment here

#

#

#

Participation

-

-

20

Papers

100

3

40

Class Presentation

100

1

10

Term paper

100

1

30

Total [Percent / Points]: [#] The grading scale below, determines your final letter grade.

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Grading Scale (example for undergraduate courses)* Excellent

Good

Satisfactor y

Low Pass

Fail

A 96%-100%

B+ 87%89%

C+ 77%79%

D+ 67%69%

F Under 60%

A- 90%-95%

B 84%-86%

C 74%-76%

D 64%-66%

B- 80%-83%

C- 70%-73%

D- 60%-63%

Criteria for: ASSIGNMENT NAME (include rubrics or expectations for assignments) Class participation: Includes active participation in class discussion and group work as well as maintaining a journal on the discussion board. Attendance will count towards this grade. Participation also includes activities on the discussion board. Students missing more than three classes will not receive participation grate. Papers: You will be expected to turn in three papers, of 3-5 pages each. The first paper will be on film, the second paper will correspond to mid-term and the 3rd will be one on literature. The final paper will cover both film and literature. Students are expected to write a 5-6 papers, covering both film and literature and considering one of the thematic areas covered during the course, i.e. gender; politics; etc.

Course Calendar & Outline

January 14: Introduction. West Africa: history, culture, politics. Colonial heritages: French, British and Portuguese.

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. Students will introduce themselves to the class, speak of their interest in Africa, literature and cinema and their expectations from the class. January 21: Culture. Definition of culture. Cultural diversity in West Africa. Oral tradition. Introduction to various film theories and cultural studies. Reading: Cham, Mbye (2005). “Oral Traditions, Literature, and Cinema in Africa.” In Robert Stam and Alessandra Raengo, eds, Literature and Film: A Guide to the Theory and Practice of Film Adaptation, Malden/Oxford: Blackwell. 295-312. This session will also focus on how to look at film from textual perspective. Review of different approaches in film criticism and theory. Thematic, structural, psychoanalytic and gender perspectives. January 28: Beginning of African Cinema. In class-viewing and discussion of Africa 50. The thematic of emancipation. Colonial cinema and the representation of Africa. Tarzan series. Reading: • Diawara, Manthia (1992). “African Cinema Today.” Chapter X of African Cinema: politics and culture. Indiana UP. February 4. Sembène Ousmane, “Father of African Cinema.” Viewing of Sembène! By Samba Gadjigo. Reading: Giovanni, June, ed. (2000). Symbolic Narratives/African Cinema: Audiences, Theory, and the Moving Image. London: BFI. February 11: Films by Sembène Ousmane: Borom Sarret (1963) and Black Girl (1965), dir. Ousmane Sembène, Senegal – [DVD from Amazon] The anti-colonial narrative.

February 18: FIRST PAPER From oral tradition to cinema. The griot and other forms of communal discourse.

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Film: Keita! By Dani Kouyaté Reading: Bakari, Imruh and Mbye Cham, eds (1996). African Experiences of Cinema. London: BFI. February 25: Yelen (1987), Souleymane Cissé, Discussion. Malian Cinéma. The new aesthetics MacRae, Suzanne (1995). “Yeelen: A Political Fable of the “Komo” Blacksmith/Sorcerers.” Research in African Literatures 26.3: 57-66. Reading: Diawara, Manthia (2010). African Film: New Forms of Aesthetics and Politics. Munich, London, New York: Prestel. March 4 : Xala (1974), Sembène Ousmane Post-colonial narrative. Neo-colonialism. Culture and alienation. March 11 : Timbuktu (2014) Abderrahmane Sissoko (Mauritanie). Current events in West Africa. Politics and religion : from the Sahara to Nigeria. Religion, gender, politics in current Mali, as experienced by people living under jihadists rule. March 19: SECOND PAPER Atlantics (2019), Mati Diop Women in cinema. Gender. Post-colonial discourse March 25: Azali (2018). Kwabena Gyansah Ghanaian cinema. April 1.: Beasts of No Nation (2015)

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This film falls in the category of “views of Africa” from the outside world. There is April 8: Spring Break April 15: THIRD PAPER Nha Fala (2002), Flora Gomez A musical, from Capo Verde, a former Portuguese colony. April 22: Nigerian film Nollywood. Urban narrative. Reading: Haynes, Jonathan, ed. (2000). Nigerian Video Films. Athens: Ohio University Center for International Studies. Krings, Matthias and Onookome Okome, eds (2013). Global Nollywood. Indiana UP. Author study: Tope Oshin April 29: Reading. Make-up. May 6: Final Papers Below is a list of the major due dates in this course. Detailed assignment instructions are posted in Blackboard. These due dates are subject to revision based upon class progress. # Week / Topic

Activities & Assignment

Week I / Introduction

Discussion Board

Weekly

February 18

First Paper on Film

Feb. 18

March 19

Second Paper

March 19

April 15

Third Paper

April 15

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# Week / Topic May 6

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Activities & Assignment Final Paper

Due Date May 6

Policies Incomplete Grades At the option of the instructor, an Incomplete may be given for a course if a student, for reasons beyond the student’s control, is unable to complete the work of the course, and if the instructor is informed of, and approves, such reasons before the date when grades must be reported. An Incomplete can only be granted if the student’s prior performance and class attendance in the course have been satisfactory. Any failure to complete the work of a course that is not satisfactorily explained to the instructor before the date when grades must be turned in will be graded F, Failure. If acceptable reasons are later presented to the instructor, the instructor may initiate a grade change to the symbol I, Incomplete. The work must be completed within the designated time period agreed upon by the instructor, student, and school, but no more than one calendar year from the end of the semester in which the course was taken. To record the exact expectations, conditions, and deadlines of the Incomplete please use the Elliott School’s Incomplete Grade Contract: The completed and signed contract is to be submitted to the Academic Affairs and Student Services Office. All students who receive an Incomplete must maintain active student status during the subsequent semester(s) in which the work of the course is being completed. If not registered in other classes during this period, the student must register for continuous enrollment status. For more information regarding Incompletes please review the relevant sections in the University Bulletin: http://bulletin.gwu.edu/university-regulations/#Incompletes

Instructor Response Time I will respond to emails within 24 hours on weekdays and on the next business day over weekends and holidays.

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I will return assignments within one week.

Statement on Inclusive Teaching In support of inclusive excellence, the Elliott School is committed to supporting our faculty and students in exercising inclusive teaching throughout our curriculum. All faculty members are expected to practice inclusive teaching as outlined in ESIA inclusive teaching statement (https://elliott.gwu.edu/statement-inclusive-teaching) and to include a stated commitment in the syllabus. Resources for inclusive teaching can be found here: https://elliott.gwu.edu/inclusive-teaching-resources

Differences in time Zone All the times in this Blackboard course correspond to the U.S. Eastern Time zone (e.g., Washington, DC). It is your responsibility to convert these times to the time zone of your location so that you can meet this course's deadlines.

Inclement Weather Please note that online courses at the George Washington University will continue to be held even when the University is closed for inclement weather.

Late Work I will accept late work submissions with penalties, provided the students clear with me and turn in work no later than 3 days after the due date.

GW Acceptable Use for Computing Systems and Services All members of the George Washington University must read and comply with the Acceptable Use Policy when accessing and using computing systems and services, including email and Blackboard. Please read the Acceptable Use Policy to familiarize yourself with how GW information systems are to be used ethically.

Netiquette Please observe the following rules of netiquette for communicating online: ■ Remain professional, respectful, and courteous at all times.

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■ Remember that a real human being wrote each post and will read what you write in response. It is easy to misinterpret discussion posts. Let’s give the benefit of the doubt. ■ If you have a strong opinion on a topic, it is acceptable to express it as long as it is not phrased as an attack. Please be gracious with differing opinions. ■ When upset, wait a day or two prior to posting. Messages posted (or emailed) in anger are often regretted later. ■ Proofread and use the spell check tool when you type a post. It makes the post easier to read and helps your readers understand what you are saying. I reserve the right to delete any post that is deemed inappropriate for the discussion forum, blog, or wiki without prior notification to the student. This includes any post containing language that is offensive, rude, profane, racist, or hateful. Posts that are seriously off-topic or serve no purpose other than to vent frustration will also be removed.

Academic Integrity Academic dishonesty is defined as cheating of any kind, including misrepresenting one's own work, taking credit for the work of others without crediting them and without appropriate authorization, and the fabrication of information. Please review GW’s policy on academic integrity, located at https://studentconduct.gwu.edu/code-academic-integrity. All graded work must be completed in accordance with the George Washington University Code of Academic Integrity. For more information see Academic Dishonesty Prevention.

Sharing of Course Content Unauthorized downloading, distributing, or sharing of any part of a recorded lecture or course materials, as well as using provided information for purposes other than the student’s own learning may be deemed a violation of GW’s Student Conduct Code.

Use of Student Work (FERPA) The professor will use academic work that you complete during this semester for educational purposes in this course during this semester. Your registration and continued enrollment constitute your consent.

Copyright Policy Statement

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Materials used in connection with this course may be subject to copyright protection under Title 17 of the United States Code. Under certain Fair Use circumstances specified by law, copies may be made for private study, scholarship, or research. Electronic copies should not be shared with unauthorized users. If a user fails to comply with Fair Use restrictions, he/she may be liable for copyright infringement. For more information, including Fair Use guidelines, see Libraries and Academic Innovations Copyright page.

Bias-Related Reporting At the George Washington University, we believe that diversity and inclusion are crucial to an educational institution's pursuit of excellence in learning, research, and service. Acts of bias, hate, or discrimination are anathema to the university’s commitment to educating citizen leaders equipped to thrive and to serve in our increasingly diverse and global society. We strongly encourage students to report possible bias incidents . For additional information, follow this link: https://diversity.gwu.edu/bias-incidentresponse.

Disability Support Services & Accessibility If you may need disability accommodations based on the potential impact of a disability, please register with Disability Support Services (DSS) at disabilitysupport.gwu.edu/registration. If you have questions about disability accommodations, contact DSS at 202-994-8250 or [email protected] or visit them in person in Rome Hall, Suite 102. For additional information see: disabilitysupport.gwu.edu For information about how the course technology is accessible to all learners, see the following resources: Blackboard accessibility Kaltura (video platform) accessibility Voicethread accessibility Microsoft Office accessibility Adobe accessibility

Religious Observances

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In accordance with University policy, students should notify faculty during the first week of the semester of their intention to be absent from class on their day(s) of religious observance. For details and policy, see: registrar.gwu.edu/university-policies#holidays

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