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Popular Culture and Music in Post-Colonial Africa — MET2140.01

Instructor: Joseph Alpar
Days & Time: TU 2:10pm-4:00pm
Credits: 2

In this course we will examine the role of music as a vehicle for political and social change in Africa. Our focus will be music-making throughout the continent of Africa during the nationalist struggles that resulted in independent African states and how musicians responded (and continue to respond) to the persistent challenges faced by those post-colonial states.

Global Environmental Politics — POL2108.01

Instructor: John Hultgren
Days & Time: MO,TH 10:00am-11:50am
Credits: 4

Contemporary efforts to confront our most pressing ecological problems are characterized by a tension between the global realities of these problems and the territorial borders and logics that define sovereign nation-states. This course will explore this tension in three parts. First, we will engage with a variety of theoretical and conceptual debates introduced by scholars of global environmental politics — a heterodox field that draws insights from international relations theory, international political economy, ecological economics, and environmental sociology (among others).

Translating from Zero — LIT2573.01

Instructor: Mariam Rahmani
Days & Time: TU,FR 2:10pm-4:00pm
Credits: 4

Designed to help beginner translators with no experience build their own ethical translation practices—with attention to issues of race, gender, and queerness—this course offers an introduction to translation via a hands-on approach. What pronouns do you use when translating from a language that doesn’t have gendered pronouns? Do you translate slurs? We will tackle these questions, plus the basics, thinking about a work’s tone, audience, and sociohistorical context in order to bring it to life in English.

Banjo — MIN2215.01

Instructor: John Kirk
Days & Time: W 11:00AM-11:50AM
Credits: 2

Beginning, intermediate, or advanced group lessons on the 5-string banjo in the claw-hammer/frailing style. Students will learn to play using simple song sheets with chords, tablature, and standard notation. Using chord theory and scale work, personal music-making skills will be enhanced. History of the African origins of banjo and its introduction to the western world will be discussed as well as past and present practices. Awareness of traditional styles of playing the instrument will be furthered through a listening component and ensemble playing with other instrumentalists.

Movement Practice: Sénémali I- Drumming & Dancing — DAN2423.01

Instructor: Kaolack Ndiaye
Days & Time: TU,FR 8:30am-10:20am
Credits: 2

This course provides a vibrant introduction to the traditional West African rhythms and movements of the Mandingo and Wolof communities. Students will embark on a journey through both drumming and dancing disciplines, mastering intricate rhythms that will expand their musical vocabulary and enhance their dance techniques.