African Affairs is the top journal in African Studies and has been for some time. This book draws together some of the most influential, important, and thought provoking articles published in its pages over the last decade. In doing so, it collates essential cutting-edge research on Africa and makes it easily available for students, teachers, and researchers alike. The African Affairs Reader is broken down into four sections that cover some of the biggest themes and questions facing the continent today, including: the African State, the Political Economy of Development, Africa's Relationship with the World, and Elections, Representation & Democracy. Within each section, articles deal with some of the most significant recent trends and events, such as the prospects for democratization in Ghana and Nigeria, the factors underpinning Rwanda's economic success, the rise of political corruption in South Africa, the spread of the drugs trade, the struggle against gender based violence, and the growing influence of China. Each section is introduced by a new purpose-written essay by the journal's editors that explains the evolution of the wider debate, highlights key contributions, and suggests new ways in which the discussion can be taken forward. Taken together, the essays and articles included in the volume provide both a coherent introduction to the study of Africa and a compelling commentary on the current state of play on the continent.

This collection provides a thorough introduction to African philosophy, literature, religion and anthropology through twenty-five readings from key thinkers. They discuss topics such as African culture, epistemology, metaphysics and religion, political philosophy, aesthetics, and explore rationality and explanation in an African context.

African Affairs is the top journal in African Studies and has been for some time. This book draws together some of the most influential, important, and thought provoking articles published in its pages over the last decade. In doing so, it collates essential cutting-edge research on Africa and makes it easily available for students, teachers, and researchers alike. The African Affairs Reader is broken down into four sections that cover some of the biggest themes and questions facing the continent today, including: the African State, the Political Economy of Development, Africa's Relationship with the World, and Elections, Representation & Democracy. Within each section, articles deal with some of the most significant recent trends and events, such as the prospects for democratization in Ghana and Nigeria, the factors underpinning Rwanda's economic success, the rise of political corruption in South Africa, the spread of the drugs trade, the struggle against gender based violence, and the growing influence of China. Each section is introduced by a new purpose-written essay by the journal's editors that explains the evolution of the wider debate, highlights key contributions, and suggests new ways in which the discussion can be taken forward. Taken together, the essays and articles included in the volume provide both a coherent introduction to the study of Africa and a compelling commentary on the current state of play on the continent.

This volume presents new research and critical debates in African book history, and brings together a range of disciplinary perspectives by leading scholars in the subject. It includes case studies from across Africa, ranging from third-century manuscript traditions to twenty-first century internet communications.

This animated and entertaining account of the varied and often colourful aspects of district administration in rural Tanganyika (Tanzania) during the last years of Britain's trusteeship will dispel many misconceptions about colonial life. The reader is presented with a kaleidoscope of events and images, and will be drawn into the author's enthusiasms and concerns, all against a background of rapid political change. There are descriptions of foot safaris, poaching, murder, anti-famine measures, smuggling, witchcraft, a school riot, a locust invasion, and the threat of civil unrest; also of domestic matters, friendships made, and the sadness of leaving. Although the style is understated, the reader will be aware of the writer's affection for Africa and for the people amongst whom he lived and worked. This book will appeal to the serious and casual student of African affairs and history, and to anyone who takes pleasure in reading of unfamiliar events in distant places.

As major political and social changes continue to sweep through the countries of the world, and more and more nations move toward forms of social democracy, the importance of being able to read has taken on a new urgency. The burden of government, commerce, education, and social welfare is moving increasingly toward the individual, and with it the need to turn basic reading skills into the sophisticated ability to analyze, comprehend, and debate the whole world of language in front of him. This book offers an opportunity to see how the process of learning to read is being handled in a broad cross-section of countries in the world, representing the First, Second, and Third Worlds. Each of the twenty-six country surveys has been written by an international scholar indigenous to that land and follows the same basic pattern in examining reading education. Following a brief introduction to the nation and its particular educational characteristics, ten reading-associated factors are fully discussed and analyzed. These factors include the language of the country in question, its reading policy, the goals of reading, illiteracy, issues pertaining to the rate and diagnosis of reading disabilities, reading readiness programs, the teacher qualification procedure, the source and availability of materials in reading, the financing of reading education, and research thrusts in the field of reading. Each chapter then concludes with a summary and brief bibliography of important reference sources within that country. This unique study will be an essential reference tool for students and practitioners in-the fields of education and reading literacy, as well as a valuable addition to both public and academic libraries.

The Black Church Studies Reader addresses the depth and breadth of Black theological studies, from Biblical studies and ethics to homiletics and pastoral care. The book examines salient themes of social and religious significance such as gender, sexuality, race, social class, health care, and public policy. While the volume centers around African American experiences and studies, it also attends to broader African continental and Diasporan religious contexts. The contributors reflect an interdisciplinary blend of Black Church Studies scholars and practitioners from across the country. The text seeks to address the following fundamental questions: What constitutes Black Church Studies as a discipline or field of study? What is the significance of Black Church Studies for theological education? What is the relationship between Black Church Studies and the broader academic study of Black religions? What is the relationship between Black Church Studies and local congregations (as well as other faith-based entities)? The book's search for the answers to these questions is compelling and illuminating.