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Culture and Identity Linkages of the Swahili with the Outside World I

Course Description

Exploration of the multi-textured identity of the Swahili people and how they came to occupy a prominent position in the world from a historical, geographical, anthropological, political, scientific, linguistic, religious, as well as cultural point of view. Their relationship to African Americans and other cultures is emphasized.

Athena Title

The Swahili and the World I

Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in CMLT 3001, SWAH 3001, AFST 3001, ANTH 3001, CMLT 3001S, SWAH 3001S, AFST 3001S, ANTH 3001S

Non-Traditional Format

This course will be taught 95% or more online.

Semester Course Offered

Offered summer semester every year.

Grading System

A - F (Traditional)

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to serve the local and broader community by assisting nonprofits receiving Swahili speaking immigrants and/or other immigrants from Africa to improve their efforts.
  • Students will be able to evaluate cultural, social and other needs of Swahili speaking immigrants and/or other immigrants from Africa through participation in a service-learning project here in Athens; the class will partner with local community programs and organizations addressing educational, social and cultural needs of African immigrants.
  • Students will be able to apply their knowledge about pros and cons of foreign aid; reflect upon such ideas after interacting first-hand with recipients of foreign aid while in Africa and after coming to America.
  • Students will be able to apply their new knowledge about KWANZAA in identifying aspects of the Swahili culture present among African Americans here in Athens.

Topical Outline

  • What is Kwanzaa and how is it related to the Swahili people and language?
  • Who are the Swahili people?
  • Geographical position of the Swahili coastal states
  • History of the Swahili civilization
  • Internal and external trade networks: contact with the outside world
  • Theories about the origins and ownership of the Swahili civilization
  • Archaeological, anthropological, and architectural marks of the Swahili culture and language
  • Effects of colonization, issues of identity, dependency, and decolonization
  • Sustainability and the Swahili coast
  • Foreign aid and developing countries
  • African Americans and the Swahili culture
  • Cross-cultural influence of Kiswahili names of African Americans
  • Prospects of Swahili attaining a global status among the world languages

General Education Core

CORE IV: World Languages and Global Culture
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