AFST 187A - (CC) Special Topics: Peoples and Cultures of Mali: Traditions and Contemporary ProblemsSemester Hours: 3
This course will introduce students to the peoples of the West African nation of Mali through literature and travel within the country of Mali itself. In this three-week course students will begin by examining the historic and ethnographic literature on the peoples of Mali in order to introduce them to the cultural adaptations of its peoples to the varying environments of this Sahelian nation over time. In the following two weeks, we will visit Bamako, the modern capital of Mali and its famous Anthropological Museum as well as its markets. Leaving Bamako, we will visit contemporary Malian villages and towns including: Segou, the capital of the Bambara kingdom, to explore the architecture of this ancient urban capital. We will then visit the historic city of Djenne, a World Heritage site. We will spend two days on the Dogon escarpment to visit villages, mosques and indigenous religious sites of the Dogon people. The other cultures we will encounter while spending time in their villages are the Bozo peoples of the Niger River, the Fulani, Songhai and the Tuareg (Tamashek) who are pastoralists of the Sahel. Finally, we will visit Timbuktu, the celebrated center of Islamic learning and trade during the 12th century, Africa’s golden age. Orientation and lectures will precede the visit. Group discussions and analysis of experiences and initial reactions will take place during the trip.
Hofstra in Mali, West Africa
January 7-21
The West African nation of Mali is a combination of beautiful desert landscapes, traditional hill towns, the bustling capital city of Bamako, the scenic Niger River and the storied ancient (and modern) city of Timbuktu. Experience the diversity of cultures and history of this modern nation and explore its markets, villages and unique architecture.
This program involves both on-campus lectures and a trip to Mali. Costs: Tuition and fees (3 credits): $2,415. Program cost: $3,300 (includes all a irfares, travel within Mali, hotels, all meals, English-speaking guide, mineral water on river trip). Students are responsible for their own passport, visa and inoculation fees. For further information and a program application, please contact: Anne Buddenhagen, Department of Anthropology, 207 Davison Hall, 110 Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York 11549-1070; Phone: (516) 463-2423, e-mail: Anne.L.Buddenhagen@hofstra.edu.
January 2008 Offering:
10356: TBA.; Buddenhagen; Hofstra in Mali
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