Using films in teaching about Africa

Abstract

This paper begins with a brief critique of didactic approaches to teaching about Africa: Such methods do not benefit students pedagogically; they cast Western academy/academics as guardians of truth about Africa; and they cast students as possible receptacles of objective knowledge of Africa. It suggests that an approach based on 'border pedagogy' offers a helpful alternative, and outlines the advantages of using films from/about Africa to achieve this. A Level 3 undergraduate module which incorporates films is outlined, and eight films used in the module are briefly described. Finally, attention is given to students' reactions to the use of films.