Afrofuturistic narratives

Welcome to the Afrofuturistic narratives seminar!

Afrofuturism is an aesthetic that offers an alternative vision of the Black body’s existence in different contexts. It draws on elements of African cultural practices and combines them with speculative fiction to reframe the realities of Black people(s). In this seminar, we will explore and actively engage with Afrofuturistic narratives from across continental and diasporic Africa to understand how the Black body is represented. Three cultural texts, namely “Mother of Invention” (2018) by Nnedi Okorafor, Dirty Computer (2018) by Janelle Monáe, and Black Panther (2018), directed by Ryan Coogler, will serve as case studies to guide our exploration. Afrofuturistic narratives are critical forms of social commentary as they engage power structures and intersectional identity-based hierarchies. Thus, we will draw on theories and perspectives from gender, race, class, nation and disability studies in this seminar. The assessments for this seminar will include an individual presentation on a topic of choice (on Friday) and a term paper (due on 31 March 2025). The course material will be posted on MOODLE.