Science in Africa, African Science

The purpose of this class is to introduce students to the study of science, technology and medicine in Africa by investigating scientific practices in diverse African societies. When people think of major advances in science and medicine, the continent of Africa does not usually come to mind. Instead, images of Africa tend to be invoked primarily when biology or disease has gone astray (e.g. African "killer bees", West Nile Virus, Ebola and HIV/AIDS). These perceptions allow a history of scientific development and technological innovation in Africa to be ignored. The goal of this class is to discuss significant themes in modern African history, but to do this by focusing through the lens of science, technology and medicine.

A major goal of our work will be to reconsider the assumption that advances in scientific thought and practice have not come from or occurred in Africa. Students will learn to ask, “What is science?” and to develop an inclusive definition of scientific inquiry by focusing on practices and belief systems that are found in Africa. We will investigate how colonialism, the Cold War and the current geopolitical order contribute to or undermine the development of scientific infrastructure in Africa. In addition, we will study current debates that are occurring on the continent about whether increased investment in science and technology can improve African people’s lives. This is a year long class. The first semester provides an overview of a number of topics related to the history of African science. By studying examples from several African countries including Mali, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia, students will gain a deeper understanding of the methods that these diverse nations have used to address scientific problems.