Studies in African Literature (369-0-20)

Topic

Ubuntu and Ecology

Instructors

Evan Mwangi

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-339: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

This course engages the philosophy of ubuntu—often seen as focused on human relationships—in conversation with the more than human world. Together, we'll read inspiring works by Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, Wangarĩ Maathai, and Micere Githae Mugo, alongside African fiction, poetry, and drama, to see how ubuntu can shape the way we read literature.

We will revisit major debates in African literary studies—most notably the "language question"—through the twin lenses of ubuntu and ecology. Consider, for instance, how the call to preserve indigenous languages resonates with the call to protect the environment. Yet here lies a productive tension: why do we resist the notion of art for art's sake, while simultaneously affirming the environment for its own sake? This paradox invites us to rethink the grounds on which value is claimed and defended. Alongside ubuntu, we will also explore non-Bantu equivalents, situating it in dialogue with other African philosophies such as ijough ave, Hunhu/Unhu, and ujamaa.

This course honors the memory of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o (1938-2025), Micere Githae Mugo (1942-2023), and Wangarĩ Maathai (1940-2011). Their voices will guide us as we read, reflect, and write about ubuntu and ecology throughout the term. At the end of the course, the student should be able to appreciate ubuntu's investments in deep ecology and its recognition of the environment's intrinsic value—valued for its own sake—rather than merely its instrumental value as a resource for human use.

Teaching Method

Interactive lectures, debates, role-play, library and archival visits, and small group discussions.

Evaluation Method

Two 5-page papers, weekly Canvas postings, regular self-evaluation, peer critiques, class participation, pop quizzes (ungraded), and I-minute papers (ungraded). No final exam.

Class Materials (Required)

Ben Okri. Every Leaf a Hallelujah. Apollo, 2021. ISBN-10‏: ‎ 1800241623; ISBN-13‏: ‎ 978-1800241626
Nnedi Okorafor. Who Fears Death. DAW, 2014. ISBN-10 ‏: ‎ 9780756407285; ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978 0756407285
Zakes Mda. The Whale Caller. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2005. ISBN-10 ‏: ‎ 0374287856; ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0374287856
Tochi Onyebuchi. War Girls. Razorbill, 2020. ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0451481690 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0451481696
Ngugi wa Thiong'o. The River Between. Penguin 2015. ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780143107491 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0143107491
Wangari Maathai. Replenishing the Earth: Spiritual Values for Healing Ourselves and the World. PRH Christian Publishing. ISBN-10 ‏: ‎ 030759114X ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0307591142
Besi Head. Maru. ‎ Waveland Press, 2013. ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1478607610 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1478607618

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration -- Reserved for English students.