Critical Terms for the Study of Africa

Critical Terms for the Study of Africa examines the impact of Western perceptions on the academic study of Africa and explores the development of critical terms to understand the continent better. The book discusses the legacy of these terms and their potential to challenge assumptions and stimulate debate, making African Studies more accessible to students and teachers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2018
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

For far too long, the Western world viewed Africa as an unmappable terrain—a repository for outsiders' wildest imaginings. This problematic notion has had lingering effects not only on popular impressions of the region but also on the development of the academic study of Africa.

Critical Terms for the Study of Africa delves into the legacies that have shaped our understanding of the continent and its place within the conceptual grammar of contemporary world affairs. Written by a distinguished group of scholars, the essays compiled in this volume take stock of African studies today and look toward a future beyond its fraught intellectual and political past. Each essay discusses one of our most critical terms for talking about Africa, exploring the trajectory of its development while pushing its boundaries.

Editors Gaurav Desai and Adeline Masquelier balance the choice of twenty-five terms between the expected and the unexpected, calling for nothing short of a new mapping of the scholarly field. The result is an essential reference that will challenge assumptions, stimulate lively debate, and make the past, present, and future of African Studies accessible to students and teachers alike.

The Western world's perception of Africa as an unmappable terrain has had far-reaching consequences, not only in shaping popular impressions of the region but also in influencing the development of academic studies on Africa. This problematic notion has perpetuated a distorted view of the continent, perpetuating stereotypes and misconceptions that have hindered our understanding of its rich cultural, historical, and political complexities.

Critical Terms for the Study of Africa aims to challenge these prevailing narratives and provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of Africa. Written by a distinguished group of scholars, the essays in this volume explore the development of key terms used to describe Africa, examining their historical roots, cultural significance, and political implications.

The book offers a balanced selection of twenty-five critical terms, chosen to represent the breadth and depth of African studies. Each term is carefully chosen to cover different aspects of the continent, from its geography and history to its politics, economics, and social movements. The editors, Gaurav Desai and Adeline Masquelier, have done an excellent job in balancing the choice of terms, ensuring that there is something for everyone interested in African studies.

One of the key strengths of Critical Terms for the Study of Africa is its ability to push the boundaries of existing scholarship. The essays in the volume challenge traditional assumptions and offer fresh perspectives on Africa. They explore the complexities of the continent's history, culture, and politics, challenging the notion that Africa is a homogeneous and monolithic entity. Instead, they highlight the diversity and complexity of African societies.

Another notable aspect of the book is its accessibility. The essays are written in a clear and concise manner, making them accessible to students and scholars from a wide range of backgrounds. The use of examples and case studies helps to illustrate the relevance of the terms and their applications in different contexts. This makes the book an invaluable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Africa, whether they are undergraduate students, graduate students, or professional researchers.

In conclusion, Critical Terms for the Study of Africa is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and innovative approach to understanding Africa. Written by a distinguished group of scholars, the essays in the volume challenge traditional narratives and provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the continent. The book's balanced selection of critical terms, its ability to push the boundaries of existing scholarship, and its accessibility make it an essential resource for anyone interested in African studies. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Africa and its place in the world.

Weight: 640g
Dimension: 223 x 159 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226548975