Cultures of Struggle and Liberation: Twentieth Century Southern Africa

Module code: HS3774

This module will introduce you to a period of profound transformation in the history of southern Africa. We will explore the social and cultural history of the region, from the expansion of colonial rule at the end of the nineteenth century, to the end of apartheid in South Africa in 1994. Weekly topics in Semester 1 include settler colonialism, World War, migration and urbanisation, decolonisation and the Global Cold War. Semester 2 takes a thematic approach to the region’s rich history of music, dance, youth, popular culture, leisure, education and religious life. You will analyse a range of original historical documents, including photographs, speeches, song lyrics, ethnography, literature and poetry, highlighting African voices and perspectives. Drawing on recent transnational historiographies, the module emphasises patterns of interconnection between the countries of the region, with a particular focus on Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa (and additional examples from Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho and Angola).