Module 1: Encountering Africa differently

Language

The courses of the module are taught in German and English.

Frequency and format of the course

Module M1 is offered annually in the winter term and is to be completed in the first semester of study. It consists of a workshop and a lecture series and is equivalent to two semester hours per week.

Participation requirements

Students of afriZert are admitted without further prerequisites.

Learning content

The events of the module are introductory and familiarize students with issues of diversity, changes of perspective and intercultural communication, as well as with the historical-political dimensions of the contemporary relationship between Africa and Europe. The workshop allows for a critical examination of common images of Africa and shows how these influence our ways of seeing and acting. It offers perspectives on how to approach "Africa" differently and what students themselves can contribute. The lecture series also introduces the background and dimensions of today's Africa-Europe relationship. From the perspective of different disciplines, it will be made clear which economic, political, and cultural processes have shaped the relationship between Africa and other regions of the world and how these still have an impact today. Across the sessions of the lecture series, it will be worked out how African societies must be regarded as long-standing contributors to the worlds history and what consequences this must have for our image of Africa.

Learning & Qualification Goals

In the sessions, students learn to critically reflect on images of Africa, and they develop a deeper understanding of the background and dimensions of the Africa-Europe relationship today. The aim is to raise awareness of the need to approach "Africa" in an open and unbiased manner and to acquire basic knowledge of the complex processes that influence the way Africa is viewed in the world. After participating in the courses, students will be able to reflect on and critically classify different forms of knowledge production about Africa and will have the basis to participate in Module M2.

More information about study and examination procedures, the calculation of credit points and student work performance as well as the potential possibility to have external courses (e.g. at the home university) recognized for afriZert be found in the module handbook.