Africa-focused GLAS courses available in the 2026-27 AY

The following Africa-focused GLAS courses available in the 2026-27 academic year:

GLAS2130 - Empire writes back: Introduction to African literature

Semester 1 | 10:00am-11:50am (Wed) | CPD-1.44

This course will expose students to the major issues surrounding it. It will begin by questioning the very meaning of the term “African literature,” before examining some of its most salient features and issues such as its complex relationship with colonialism that made languages of Europe become the literary languages of Africa; the various forms of narration in Africa; colonialism and resistance; the tension between nationalism and the African novel; as well as the complex relationship between African continental and diasporic literature. It will also look at major contemporary African literary movements and their historical significance.

GLAS2123 - Theories from Africa: Knowledge production in Africa from ancient to contemporary times

Semester 2 | 10:00am-11:50am (Thu) | CPD-2.18

The production of knowledge has been an integral part of human history. African thinkers have been at the forefront of this process. However, Africa has often been characterized as a place without history and hence without knowledge. As a result, the production of theory and its use has often been erroneously attributed primarily or solely to Europe and North America. By focusing on African knowledge production, this course will elucidate how the world has been thought and rethought from an African perspective. In doing so the course draws examples not only from the modern period but also from the ancient and medieval periods of Africa. Students will be able to learn the content of African texts and knowledge producers throughout history. In doing so they will be able to engage with African theories and perspectives in a comprehensive and comparative manner.

For enquiries, please contact Prof. Samson Bezabeh (sbezabeh@hku.hk).