The lecture series "in our own words" aims to point out that knowledge production on the African continent not only exists as a solution to problems other scholars and scientists have defined but is rather relevant in its own right. This, for example, is the case for the field of History as Prof Dr Shamil Jeppie shows in his lecture. He wants to show what deserves more research and realisation in Africa and therefore focuses on the history of the book. Thereby, he argues that the history normally focuses on the history of the object, although a book history – that emerges the printed version – exists.
The lecture series
In our own words titles a lecture series developed as a cooperation of Prof Dr Elisio Macamo, Prof Dr Mamadou Diawara and L.I.S.A.Science Portal of the Gerda Henkel Foundation.The series can be placed in the context of the Pilot African Postgraduate Academy, which is funded by the Gerda Henkel Foundation and believes that knowledge production must be based on a solid foundation, which can be found in basic research. Over the next weeks, scientists and scholars from different disciplines will talk about their fields of study to present the diversity of knowledge that comes from Africa and the African perspective on science. It gives African scholars an opportunity to talk about how African studies is helping to both make science better and to better understand the world.