Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - HIST 231 D100

History of Africa to the 19th Century: From Ancient Times to the Slave Trade (3)

Class Number: 4633

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 22, 2022
    Fri, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A general, introductory survey of Africa's rich pre-colonial past, its vibrant cultures and sophisticated technologies, far-reaching commercial and political networks, and dynamic (and internally differentiated) social systems. Also discusses the trans-Atlantic trade in African slaves and the arrival of Europeans on African shores. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is a general, introductory survey of Africa’s pre-colonial past. We will begin our journey by considering the question of what “Africa” is, as the term itself is a construct (or “invention”) that conjures distinct and powerful reactions. After establishing our theoretical foundation with this first step, we will look at some of Africa’s many empires from the Ancient and Pre-Modern periods. We will then investigate the impact of the introduction and spread of Christianity and Islam on the continent before turning our attention to trade and commerce. After the reading break, we will spend four weeks surveying post-1500 Africa in a geographic context. Finally, we will conclude by scrutinizing and reflecting on the Atlantic Slave Trade.

Grading

  • Attendance and participation 25%
  • Quizzes 10%
  • Primary source analysis oral presentation 10%
  • Primary source analyses (written) 20%
  • Final examination 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Erik T. Gilbert & Jonathan T. Reynolds, Africa in World History, 3rd Edition, Pearson, 2012.


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.