This course is a general survey of African history to 1800.  Its primary goal is to
provide the students with an historical framework for interpreting the current state
of African societies and their relations with the World.  The second goal is to help
students develop their analytical skills and to express their analyses in verbal and
written forms.  

This course requires students:
1. to read carefully the assigned texts by the dates provided in the syllabus.
2. to come to class prepared to discuss the readings.
3. to analyze assigned texts in class discussions and in formal essays, based upon
an interpretive assessment of evidence presented in readings and lectures.
4. to demonstrate mastery of current course readings in short written exams.
5. to identify and analyze the major themes and debates in African history in a final
essay exam.

This course will focus on the following issues: Ancient Egypt and early state
formation; economic development and the rise of Medieval trading states, the
spread of Christianity and Islam and their interaction with indigenous African
religions; the trans-Saharan, Indian Ocean, and Atlantic slave trades; slavery within
Africa; the social and political roles of women; and the beginning of European
conquest and colonialism. The course assumes no prior background in African Studies.

I expect all students to adhere to the University Honor Code and Academic Honesty
Policy. I will provide explicit guidelines for all written assignments. I will deal
with any incidents of cheating or plagiarism strictly.