The Beautiful Game is African: An African History of Soccer

This course will introduce students to an African history of soccer. From Lagos to Liverpool and beyond, we will examine how Africa, its people, and diaspora have been central in the evolution of the world's most popular sport. Among the themes we will consider include the colonial origins of soccer, soccer's role in contributing to African independence, global tournaments as platforms for politics and justice, and debates about recruitment, citizenship, and belonging. In addition to scholarly readings, students will have the opportunity to engage with an array of primary and secondary source material, spanning from games, interviews, documentaries, and official reports, among others.