4cr African countries and peoples have often been examined through the lenses of European and North American cultures. These analyses have sometimes been helpful and other times have resulted in inaccurate portrayals of African life and people. This course uses texts written predominantly by African authors for various parts of the continent to provide African perspectives of transitions that have occured on the continent. These transitions include: the transition from traditional life to colonial rule; the shift to independence; attempts at democratization; adaptations rural Africans make when moving to urban areas; and the clashes between Western and African cultures that continue today. Using themes of governance, community and reference groups to examine different African cultures, the course incorporates theories and concepts from the disciplines of political science and sociology.