CONN 392 | African Film: Identity, Resistance, and a Globalized World

Taught in English, this course examines the richness and diversity of Sub-Saharan African cinema from 1967 to today. Through films and critical readings, students explore how African directors address history, colonialism, race, gender, sexuality, and social justice. From Ousmane Sembène¿s pioneering works to Nollywood and African-futurist visions, the course traces shifting artistic and political landscapes.
Interdisciplinary in focus, the course treats film as both art and cultural critique, drawing on history, gender studies, cultural studies, and postcolonial theory. Students compare approaches¿for example, reading Camp de Thiaroye through both history and film analysis, or studying Rafiki with queer theory and sociology. Assignments, projects, and exams require synthesis across perspectives.
The course also asks students to reflect on knowledge, identity, and power. Films such as Moolaadé and Bamako spark dialogue on gender, tradition, and global inequality, while readings highlight African and diasporic thinkers including Sembène, Fanon, Diawara, Kahiu, and Bekolo.