HST-2470 African History

Credits 3
This course surveys African history from the development of early civilizations in East and North Africa through the era of European colonization in Africa to the post-colonial era of independent African nationhood. Students analyze myths and stereotypes about Africa and how those myths and stereotypes have influenced writings and perceptions about African history. Additionally, students examine how the development and expansion of the trans-Saharan and trans-Atlantic slave trades affected commerce, labor practices, and inter/intra-ethnic relations within African societies. Moreover, students examine examples of continuity and change in African cultural traditions from the pre-colonial era to the present (with emphasis on religious practices, musical traditions, and family and ethnic relations). Furthermore, students analyze various resistance movements that Africans carried out, including Pan-Africanist movements, in their efforts to gain national independence. Finally, students evaluate the ways in which independent African nations have attempted to improve their societies in the post-colonial era.

Course Outcomes

Analyze myths and stereotypes about Africa and how those myths and stereotypes have influenced writings and perceptions about African history
Examine examples of continuity and change in African cultural traditions from the pre-colonial era to the present (with emphasis on religious practices, musical traditions, and family and ethnic relations)
Analyze how the development and expansion of the trans-Saharan and trans-Atlantic slave trades affected commerce, labor practices, and inter/intra-ethnic relations within African societies
Analyze various resistance movements that Africans carried out—including Pan-Africanist movements—in their efforts to gain national independence
Evaluate the ways in which independent African nations have attempted to improve their societies in the post-colonial era