Level: 1

Semester: 2

Prerequisites: None

 

Course Description:

This is a survey course of the history of Africa from ca. 1000 CE to 1860. It starts with a time of great upsurge in civilizational transformations across the continent, including the deepening of Christianity in Ethiopia, the entrenchment of Islam beyond the original conquered territories of North Africa into Ethiopia, East and West Africa, and the creation of vast empires such as Ghana, Mali, Songhai, and Swahili urban civilizations. Furthermore, the socio-political, economic and cultural transformations of the continent resulting from these changes are addressed. The second part of the course deals with the role of the African continent in the formation of the Atlantic World following the expansion of the European trade interests. This part focuses on the development of the international slave trade from the 15th century onwards and examines its economic, political and socio-cultural impact and consequences for the continent.

 

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Analyze historical resources, both primary and secondary, for key points, meaning and significance of arguments
  2. Analyze cultural texts such as news reports, magazine and online articles, music, and films following course guidelines
  3. Produce written work to develop communication skills through completion of assignments
  4. Assess online sources and internet for assignments, including research and analysis of podcasts, documentaries, music and other resources
  5. Organize oral presentations and participate in class discussions to develop oral expression and communication skills
  6. Identify methods and sources for history of Africa sources between ca. 1000 and 1860, including archaeology, oral traditions and Arabic and ajami sources
  7. Assess various scholarly views and approaches to African history of the period between ca. 1000 and 1860
  8. Explain the development of the trans-local trade relations and networks, such as Trans-Saharan, Indian Ocean, and the Atlantic and their impact on African societies involved
  9. Analyse the transformation of the African regions through the expansion and exchange of knowledge, technology and religions, and migration of people, cultures and skills within trans-local networks
  10. Evaluate the evolution of internal slavery and slaving within African societies in the period of concern
  11. Assess the consequences of the Atlantic slave trade for the African societies involved
  12. Interpret major economic, political, cultural and religious trends in West and East African societies between ca 1000 and 1860

 

 

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