IN THE BEGINNING ... 
January 21- February 2, 2004  
  
An introduction to the instructors, an overview of the syllabus, the objectives of the course of study, the course web site and the approach to the subject matter of the course plus an extended consideration of basic concepts to be considered during the semester and a set of three inaugural case studies. 

February 4 , 2004

"POWER" AND "AUTHORITY" AS A CULTURAL CONSTRUCT IN WEST AFRICA AND BRAZIL
Case studies examining how cultural "power" and "authority" is constructed in the two areas being examined in this course.
 
EXPLORING ISSUES OF IDENTITY: PARTS 1 - 2

Issues relating to the formation and nature of identity in African and Brazilian contexts with a focus on race, color, religion and locality.
 

ASSIGNMENT 1 (Due February 9)

UNIT 2
POWER AND AUTHORITY IN RURAL HAUSA SOCIETY

In this unit we will examine how a non-western people regard and work out issues concerning authority.  We will examine this by looking at issues of political succession; the right to use land; and conflict over who can manage "public resources."

ASSIGNMENT 2 (Due March 8)

UNIT 3:
"POWER" AND "AUTHORITY" AS A CULTURAL CONSTRUCT IN LATIN AMERICA:
BRAZIL AS A CASE STUDY

The distinction between popular and dominant cultures forms an important tool for understanding the relationship of power and authority. In this unit we will explore that distinction using a series of pivotal issues across three centuries of Luso-Brazilian history. The specific cases we will examine include examples of Afro-Brazilian religions in the 18th and 20th centuries; slavery in the 18th and 19th centuries; family relationships in the 18th century and popular music in the 20th.

UNIT 4:
POWER, AUTHORITY AND CASTE IN MANDE SOCIETIES

UNIT 5:
COMPARING "POWER" "AUTHORITY" AND IDENTITY IN NON-WESTERN SOCIETIES: WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?