In Western journalism and policy circles, Africa is often unfairly portrayed as a homogenous entity. While Africans have drawn on a unified framework, they insist on recognizing the complexity and diversity of their histories, development, politics, and global engagement. This course will explore aspects of Africa's place in the world through various media, including primary documents, novels, historical accounts, policy papers, film, music, and the internet. We will examine critical frameworks related to Africa’s colonial legacies, marginalization, postcolonial politics, social movements, and political culture in their interactions with global actors—ranging from traditional powers to emerging centers, as well as Africa’s diaspora in the West to states and confederations of states in and from the Middle East, Asia, and South America. Additionally, we will consider the potential for new politics within the Global South, with Africa at its center, while reflecting on our location in New York City.