Professor: Townsend Course format: Lecture Number of respondents: 17 Total Enrollment: 21 Class Composition: Froshs: 1 Sophs: 2 Jrs: 10 Srs: 4

Instructor Average: 1.50 Course Average: 1.41

The objective of "Africa in Anthropological Perspective" is to examine some aspects of the social life of some African peoples. The course put those examples in their historical and political-economic context, and in the process paid particular attention to the ways western perceptions and perspectives have influenced outsider's descriptions and treatment of Africa. There were no prerequisites or previous knowledge required for the class.

Professor Townsend was an excellent discussion leader. He had a great mix of initiating discussion and letting others express their ideas. Respondents also appreciated his use of humor to keep the class interesting. The only complaint from some students was that there was sometimes too much discussion that led to rambling by the students.

People found the readings very interesting and pertinent to what they were discussing. They had to complete one essay midterm, one African fiction assignment and one final take-home exam.

Survey respondents spent about two to four hours on this class per week, which is about what they expected coming into the class. The class teaches as much about anthropology as it does about Africa. People said to take it because it is very engaging and it teaches you a lot. You will continually find yourself wanting to learn more and more. However, do not take it if you do not like to read or discuss, because only through these two mediums will you get much out of the course.

View AN/0111 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.