Fall 2004

E 376L • The Literature of African AIDS

Course Description

In this course we will read, watch and discuss emerging cultural representations of the current AIDS pandemic affecting sub-Saharan Africa alongside journalistic, social-science and historical accounts. Many genres will be covered including novels, films, plays, travel diaries and memory books in order to work through their respective strengths and weaknesses in the difficulty of representing the various aspects of a public-health crisis of overwhelming proportions.

Grading Policy

The class will be run as a seminar. Attendance is mandatory. More than one unexcused absence will result in a grade penalty.

Class participation including one presentation 30%
Two response papers, 3-4 pages each 10% each
One final paper, 10-12 pages 50%

Texts

(tentative)
John Le Carre, The Constant Gardener
Phaswane Mpe, Welcome to our Hillbrow
Tsitsi Dangarembga, Everybody’s Child
Samantha Power, “South Africa’s AIDS Rebel”
Mbogeni Ngema, Sarafina II
Ruth Whitney, Slim: a novel
Alex Shoumatoff, African Madness
Devla Murphy, The Ukimwi Road: from Kenya to Zimbabwe
Course booklet with readings by Patton, Malan, Mbeki, The Treatment Action Campaign, Singhal and others

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