Africa

The countries and regions of Africa, once home to distinctive medieval empires, are remarkable for their rich and diverse cultures. The skills, labor, and artistic and cultural traditions of African peoples have shaped the development of other nations for centuries, particularly through the African Diaspora. Primary Source's professional development programs aim to portray the countries accurately, focusing on their individual histories as well as the challenges people face in the present. Current issues such as post-colonial governance, emerging democratic practices, regional conflicts, and widespread disease are among the topics our seminars feature.

Seminars 2009-2010

Current Topics in Africa

Afternoon lecture series
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Primary Source
Dates: November 16, 2009; January 27, February 24, April 15, 2010
PDPs/Credits: 10 PDPs for the full series
Fee: Partnership educators - no cost; Non-partnership educators - $125 for the series or $35 for individual sessions
Registration Information

The nations of the African continent today grapple with unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the economic, political, security and environmental arenas. This forward-looking lecture and discussion series will address a variety of concerns and look at regional responses.
Teachers can register for the whole series or attend individual sessions.

Speakers/Topics
November 16, 2009
The Present and Future of Democracy in Africa
Ambassador Charles Stith, Boston University, African Presidential Archives and Research Center

January 27, 2010
After the Killing: Transitional Justice in African States
Timothy Longman, Boston University; Director of the African Studies Center

February 24, 2010
Political Expression Through Art in Africa
Mark Auslander, Brandeis University

April 15, 2010
Women and Leadership in Africa
Filomina Steady, Wellesley College

Suitable for educators in grades K-12.

Visual Art of West Africa

One-day workshop
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Peabody Museum, Harvard University
Date: March 29, 2010
PDPs/Credits: 5 PDPs
Fee: Partnership educators - no cost; Non-partnership educators - $125
Registration Information

This program will introduce various visual arts important in the cultures of West Africa. Teachers will discuss symbols, patterns, and historical narrative found in the arts and explore connections to beliefs, music, and dance. The day will include hands-on workshops and consider how elementary school children can learn about peoples and cultures through the arts. Classroom projects inspired by African art forms will also be presented.

Monni Adams from the Peabody Museum will present an "Introduction to Cultures and Arts of West Africa" and "Masked Festivals of Canton Bo of Southwest Ivory Coast."

Suitable for educators in grades K-5.

Registration Information

Partnership educators: Registration must be approved through your school district.

Please get in touch with your school district's Primary Source contact person and let them know which program(s) you are interested in. Upon approval from your district, Primary Source will contact you with instructions for online registration.

Non-partnership educators:

Space is limited. Please send your registration request to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Space permitting, retired educators are welcome to register for Primary Source seminars at a discount of 50% off the non-partner rate.

Registration deadline is Friday, September 25, 2009.