HIST 253 African History since 1800

3 Credit(s)

This course offers a broad introduction to the history of Africa from 1800 to the present day. A tumultuous time for the continent, this period encompasses everything from the end of the Atlantic slave trade to European colonialism, national independence, and the economic, political and social challenges of postcolonial life. Drawing on primary sources (maps, travelers’ accounts, oral histories) as well as literature, art music and film, the course explores the major events of the 19th-21st centuries through such themes as Abolition and the rise of slavery in Africa, late precolonial states and the Islamic empires, racial ideology and the European imperialism, technologies of colonial rule, Christianity and colonial education, changing gender and ethnic identities, urbanization, nationalist movements and liberation wars, post-independence conflicts and development challenges, the end of apartheid in South Africa, and African experiences of globalization.

Diversity Area: International