The Cultures of Africa

Speaking

Keywords:
Culture, Discussion, Listening, Literature, Presentation, Project, Research, Speaking, Web Activities, Online reading, Summary writing

Window on Africa is an online course focussing on cross-cultural issues. Most sessions take place synchronously with a few of the sessions on-demand.

As for the course itself, it is an obvious fact that many outside of Africa are fascinated by the cultural dynamics of the continent. Few, however, have had the opportunity of grasping the core of Africa's cultures.

This course aims, therefore, to provide an objective glimpse that enables students to understand the so-called 'African Way of Life'. The language components of the course are reading, listening, presentation and free discussion.

Topics for the class activities involve aspects of cross-comparative cultures in both Asia and Africa. At the end of the course, students will be able to 1) understand the underlying issues that affect African lives; 2) understand the contextual foundation for dealing with ongoing issues vital to the continent and 3) to know how to objectively discuss issues of African interest.

Participation in and feedback from group discussions: 20%
Quick quiz (Week-2) and summary report (Week-9): 20%
Four project speech reports (Week 4, 6, 8 and 11): 40%
Final presentation: 20%

1	*The Dynamics of Culture* This session challenges students into a) defining culture and b) setting up the basis of an individual's cultural identity.
2	The Basis for Understanding Africa Students discuss the issue of 'Diversity' and how it defies much of the existing knowledge about the continent.
3	*The Art of Reporting and Preparing a Standard Speech* Students learn the fundamentals of preparing and presenting a report.
4	*Diversity Project Report and Discussion Session-1* Using the reporting skills studied in Week-3 and the ideas discussed in Week-1 and 2, each student reports, in small groups, their findings on general aspects of cultures as applied in their individual lives.
5	*Beliefs and Systems of Thought* Students are introduced to the variety of beliefs and systems of thought that exist in several regions of Africa.
6	*Customs Project Report and Discussion Session-2* Using the ideas developed in Week-5 and the skills of Week-3, each student presents a cross-comparative report on issues of beliefs and customs as practiced in both Asia and Africa.
7	*The Role and the Meaning of Music and Dance in Africa* Students are introduced to the amazing world of 'African' music and dance. During the session, students will listen to actual African music.
8	*Music and Art Project Report and Discussion Session-3* Each student introduces an African musical prodigy of their choice. Presentations are followed by a feedback from the audience.
9	*Women's Role in African Societies* The session discusses the myth and reality regarding the role of women in various regions of Africa.
10	The Cultural Aspect of Leadership in Africa The session tackles the impact of cultural beliefs and traditions on leadership.
11	Notable Africans Project Report and Discussion Session-4 On the basis of the activities of Week 6, students present cross-comparative reports either on a) the role of women in Africa or b) the cultural icons of Africa as seen from Asia.
12	*The Africa-Japan Partnership* Students discuss the key aspects of Japan-Africa Partnership.
13	*Final Presentations, Evaluation and Commentary* Using the various elements that have been discussed, each student makes a power-point presentation outlining their personal understanding of cultural issues in Africa. Presentations are followed by comments and Q&A from the audience.
14	End-of-term Review Assignment Students work individually to prepare and upload their end-of-term review essay using the sample template provided for by the instructor.
15	On-demand Online Office Hour Students attend online consultation on-demand with the course's instructor. The consultation is either individual on the basis of first come first serve or in small group.

This class is fun and rewarding. The class allows students to connect their academic interest to the issues being discussed in the course. (S) is given to those students who: 1) have been active during groups and open discussions; 2) have handed in their assignments on time; and 3) achieved 95 percent of overall points.