Decolonization and the Future of African Studies

Erscheinungsjahr 2026
ISBN: 978-1-64825-050-7
Verlag: University of Rochester Press

Buch, Englisch, Band 103, 516 Seiten, Print PDF, Format (B × H): 157 mm x 235 mm, Gewicht: 890 g

Reihe: Rochester Studies in African History and the Diaspora

A study of African intellectual traditions as a resource to decolonize African Studies, this book argues that indigenous methods and knowledge are essential for studying Africa's diverse peoples and histories.

The study and research of the African past and present require well-defined approaches and methodologies aimed at decolonizing African studies. Research on Africa has often been conducted using materials and sources produced by Eurocentric scholarship that drew upon colonial systems and actors, which continue to shape the modern experiences of Africans. Though colonialism has played a significant role in African history, this is only one part of the broader context. There are many other sources, perspectives, and approaches yet to be utilized that could aid in the discovery and research of hitherto uncharted aspects of African history and contemporary African societies. This book is a study of the African intellectual traditions, methods, and knowledge that can be used to decolonize African studies, leading the field in more nuanced and holistic directions.

There is a pressing need to utilize alternative approaches, particularly engaging with Africa's wealth of indigenous knowledge systems, even when doing so is far from straightforward. Through a variety of written, oral, and material sources, this work builds upon decolonization scholarship by analyzing and implementing non-traditional sources to enhance the field. Drawing from case studies throughout the continent and its vast history, this volume covers a range of subjects to improve underrepresented research in African scholarship.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Falola, Toyin

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Weltgeschichte & Geschichte einzelner Länder und Gebietsräume Geschichte einzelner Länder Afrikanische Geschichte
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politikwissenschaft Allgemein Politische Studien zu einzelnen Ländern und Gebieten
• Sozialwissenschaften Ethnologie | Volkskunde Volkskunde Historische & Regionale Volkskunde

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Preface
Acknowledgments

PART 1. Methodologies for Decolonizing African Studies
1. Decolonization and Edible African Studies
2. The Africanization of Knowledge

3. Indigenous Research Methodologies
4. Logos and Oral Traditions

5. Arabic and Ajami Sources

6. Archaeology and African History

PART 2: CREATIVE FRONTIERS
7. Images and Objects in Research Methodology
8. Literature and African Epistemologies

9. Music As Source Materials

10. Performance

PART 3: Edible African Studies
11. Usable Past and Reflection on Africa's History and Development

12. Decolonizing Knowledge Systems in Africa
13. The Afrocentric Model

14. Public History, The Public Historian, and Africa

15. Innovative Research and Quality Education

16. Research Communications for Impacts in African Studies

17. Digital Humanities

18. Technological Media

19. Conclusion: The Future of Knowledge

Bibliography
Index

Über Autor(innen)

Falola, Toyin
TOYIN FALOLA is Distinguished Teaching Professor of History and Jacob & Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities, University of Texas, Austin, TX. He is the series editor of the University of Rochester Press' series Rochester Studies in African History and the Diaspora.