Global Africa and China

Catalog description

How are recent demographic shifts impacting cultures and societies worldwide? Using African migration to China and Chinese migration to Africa as case studies, this course explores how historic migration patterns intersect with the current demographic renaissance in Africa and the declining populations in economically advantaged countries. After reviewing theories of migration and immigrant integration, the course turns to the lived experiences of African migrants in China, Chinese migrants in Africa, and the reception and perception of these migrants by citizens of the host countries. We shall discuss China's long history of receiving "Black" migrants, from South Asians during the Cold War to recent African migrants, and the influence of China's enlarged presence and Belt and Roads initiatives on African societies. Through readings and qualitative research, including observations and interviews with African migrants in Shanghai and engaged learning opportunities to African museums and centers in Hangzhou, students will explore international student mobility, the impact of global racial hierarchies on migrant experiences, and cultural and societal exchanges between Africa and Asia. This course will be offered in January-Term 2026. This course will be taught at NYU Shanghai and will count as an Away J-Term course.