Proposals for a decolonised course outline for a theories and methods course in communication and media studies

This chapter looks at course syllabi in a context when the focus of many thinkers has been on decolonising the curriculum. It offers instructors practical ideas to consider when constructing their own course outlines. The chapter draws on the author’s experiences of teaching a second-year undergraduate course on theories and methods. The author contends that most course outlines used in institutions of higher learning, especially in sub-Saharan African countries, celebrate Eurocentric knowledges and thinkers. The chapter suggests that decolonial work can start with the kinds of topics and readings that instructors include in their courses. The chapter encourages instructors to be intentional about inviting guest speakers to their classes whose ideas and voices are neglected in media and communication studies theory and methods courses.