INQ-300 | African Radio-Events & Solns

Full Title: African Radio-Contemporary Events & Solutions

Topic Description:

Since the mid-twentieth century, radio has played a vital and changing role on the African continent. For many, radio provides a mobile and relatively inexpensive medium for mass communication, a utility that continues to make radio an outlet for the spread of ideas and ideology in contemporary Africa. Indeed, radio listening and broadcasting cultures continue to grow on the African continent as audiences join together through traditional radio sets, websites, podcasts, and mobile electronic devices. Why has radio been such an important medium in African societies, and how has its cultural role changed and been changed by social developments? This class offers an inquiry into the past, present, and future of radio on the African continent. Students will examine the forms of communication that radio broadcast permits, and will work in groups to develop their own original podcast that simulates a radio broadcast from a single African country. Podcasts will include analysis of contemporary issues including political change, healthcare, environmental challenges, music, and sports.

Counts as Global? No

Topic Approved: March 2017