UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
FALL 2000
AFST 180/580 (cross list: AFAM/LING 180/580)
Elementary Swahili, I
Elaine Mshomba, J.D.
In this course, you will develop an elementary level ability to speak, read, and write Swahili. You will also be introduced to East Africa and its cultures, although emphasis will be placed on the language acquisition. No prior knowledge of Swahili or East Africa is required.
I. OBJECTIVES
These are illustrative, not exhaustive. Your work in this course will enable you to:
ï Carry a simple conversation in Swahili;
ï Read and write simple essays in Swahili;
ï Describe the context within which the language is used (the cultures, geography, history, demography, economic and political systems, health, and education of East Africa, as well as Kwanzaa celebrated in the U.S.); and
ï Compare and contrast the countries which comprise East Africa.
II. RESOURCES
a. To purchase Swahili: A Foundation for Speaking, Reading, and Writing, Hinnebusch and Mirza, 2nd Edition (University Press of America, 1998)
b. To purchase Swahili Exercises: A Workbook for First Year Students, Moshi (University Press of America, 1988)
c. To refer to (available in Penn's library)
Uganda: A Country Study, edited by Rita Byrnes (1992)
Kenya: A Country Study, edited by Harold Nelson (1984)
Tanzania: A Country Study, edited by Irving Kaplan (1978)
Political Leaders of Contemporary Africa South of the Sahara, edited by Harvey Glickman (1992)
d. Additional language materials and readings, to be announced.
III. SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Work Outside of Class
ï Language Assignments (20%)
Before each language lesson listed in the schedule below, you are expected to read the chapter in Hinnebusch and Mirza and be prepared to engage in exercises based on that lesson. In addition, you must learn the vocabulary in Hinnebusch and Mirza ("Msamiati").