The Africa Semester

The continent of Africa represents 10 percent of the world's population and one-quarter of its land mass.

African art, music, and literature have had a profound effect on the artistic achievements of the United States.

Thousands of Africans have studied at colleges and universities in the United States and many are now the professors, the prime ministers, or even the presidents of their own countries.

A large number of the citizens of this nation trace their ancestry to the continent of Africa.

It is a continent of vast potential, huge resources, and immense importance to the global economy.

Said William H. Twaddell, deputy assistant secretary of state for African affairs, in an April 7, 1997, speech at a town meeting in New Orleans: "Peace and political stability in Africa mean greater stability for us; economic growth there translates into greater opportunities for economic growth here. I . . .am. . .unapologetically optimistic for its future."

Yet, as important as Africa is to our global future, it has been too long neglected in our consciousness.

A series of events and activities focusing on Africa occured during the semester. Among those scheduled were:

September: Africa in Pictures and Words was the theme of some activities, through presentations by persons recently returned from Africa, through a special edition of The Chart, and through special guest lecturers who also explored the politics of Africa.

January 25 - April 2, 1998	The Television Series "The Africans"
March 9, 1998	Samite of Uganda: An Evening of Music 7:30 p.m., Webster Hall Auditorium
September 15, 1998	Film: "The African Queen" 7:30 p.m. Matthews Hall Auditorium Admission $1.50
September 15 - October 9, 1998	Selections from the John and Pam Finley Art Collection, in association with the exhibit of Modern European Prints and Rosamond Bernier Related Photographs Exhibit opening 6:30-8:30 p.m. Spiva Art Gallery
September 18, 1998	A Presentation on Namibia by Nguvitjita Kahiha International Club 12 noon, Webster Hall Room 350
September 22, 1998	Conversation with John and Pam Finley 7:30 p.m., Spiva Art Gallery
September 25, 1998	Brown Bag Luncheon with Dr. Gwen Murdock "Tanzania: An Outsider Looking In" A Multi-media presentation 12 noon, Billingsly Student Center Room 310
October 1, 1998	Lecture by Bartholomew Nnaji, Former Federal Minister of Science and Technology of Nigeria 7:30 p.m., Webster Hall Auditorium
October 15, 1998	A Multimedia Presentation on Tanzania by Dr. Gwen Murdock of the Department of Psychology Sponsored by Psychology Club and Psi Chi 7:30 p.m., Matthews Hall Auditorium
October 16, 1998	Brown Bag Luncheon with Dr. Conrad Gubera "From Casablanca to Carthage: Moments and Memories of North Africa" Narrative and slide presentation 12 noon, Billingsly Student Center Room 310
October 19-November 5, 1998	Opening of the Exhibit "Africa Through the Eyes of Women Artists" 6:30-8:30 p.m., Spiva Art Gallery
October 19-November 5, 1998	Videos on African Art Monday through Friday at 12:00 noon Spiva Art Gallery
October 20, 1998	"Africana Literature and Its Influences on the Literature of the Americas," a discussion featuring several speakers, including: Jacqueline Brice-Finch Peter Ukpokodu
October 21, 1998	Lecture on the African media by William Hachten. 10:00 a.m., Webster Hall Auditorium Free and open to the public.
October 22, 1998	Philosophy Club Meeting Speaker: Dr. Gwendolyn Murdock "Similarities and Differences between American and Tanzanian Values" 7:30 p.m., BSC 311 Refreshments will be served.
November 12, 1998	Ballet Folclorico do Brasil Workshop: 9:30-10:45 a.m., Taylor Auditorium Performance: 7:30 p.m., Taylor Auditorium Free admission to the public
November 12, 1998	Brown Bag Luncheon with Dr. Paul Teverow and the Model United Nations Club "The Model U.N., the Africa Semester, and the International Mission" 12:15 p.m., Billingsly Student Center Room 310
November 16, 1998	The Zambian Boys Choir Performance: 7:00 p.m., Webster Auditorium Free admission to the public
November 24, 1998	Lecture focusing on Nigeria by Patrick Walls, a May, 1998, graduate of Missouri Southern State College. 9:30 a.m., Webster Hall Auditorium Free and open to the public.
November 30-December 6, 1998	"Taradiddle World" The Show-Me Celebration Company presents four African folk tales for children of all ages. Performances: 2:30 p.m. daily Admission: $1.00 for adults, 50 cents for children 12 and under.
December 2, 1998	Brown Bag Luncheon with Dr. Moe Eze "African Wedding and Funeral Rituals" Wednesday, 12 noon, Billingsly Student Center Room 310