Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introductory survey of colonization, of social, political and environmental change under colonial rule, and of the stormy history of state-society relations in Africa since independence. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this class we will explore African experiences in modern history, across the continent and reaching out to diasporan communities where appropriate. Thematically we will explore the concept of development and trace its evolution over the past two centuries. Temporally, we will cover the transition from slavery to legitimate commerce (early nineteenth century) through to the present day, focusing on colonial and independent African states in global context. Students will be introduced to diverse topics in later African history and development, including: abolition and its consequences for Africans; European exploration, partition and colonial rule; Africans’ responses and resistance to colonialism; Pan‐Africanism; and African independence movements. We will place into context the challenges faced by independent African states, such as democracy, human rights, health crises, the environment, corruption, and conflict, and problematize development narratives and practices aimed at addressing these problems. We will use a textbook as well as primary and secondary historical sources, African literature, films, and current news sources to gain multiple perspectives on Africa’s recent history.

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING: