Global Arc

Although the novel is the youngest genre in the Swahili critical tradition, it has experienced some of the most revolutionary and innovative experimentations since it gained mainstream prominence in Swahili literature, mainly during the post-colonial/independence literary revolution. This course is a reading of the Kiswahili novel with a critical analysis of the socio-political and critical trends in the literary world that have influenced the writings of contemporary Swahili novelists. The colonial/independence and post independence experience in east Africa are some of the motifs that inform the course readings and class discourse.

Examines the rich tradition of poetry in Swahili ranging from pre-20th century classical poetry to contemporary trends. A critical exploration of the classical verse forms such as tenzi will inform subsequent analysis of contemporary materials, representing among them innovative re-appropriations of time-honored techniques as well as pioneering experiments in free verse and the critical debates associated with this poetic experience. Readings will include works by classical, colonial, and post-colonial poets.

This is an introductory course to Swahili culture. You will learn who the Swahili people were and who they have become, who they are not, and what the term 'Swahili' may refer to. This is a multidisciplinary course that will be sourced from different texts, newspapers, booklets, films, music videos, pictures, guest presentations, handouts, web sites, and a taste of Swahili cuisine. Through these you will get a bird's eye view of the East African people as well as some other Swahili speaking groups and their cultures.