The history, physical environment (landforms, vegetation, and climate), and sociocultural environment (artistic, political, and social development) of Africa.
Athena Title
Introduction to Africa
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in AFST 2100E
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will examine how African societies are organized into various groups (nations, linguistic groups, classes, and occupations) and how these structures evolve and function over time.
Students will explore the historical development, maintenance, and transformation of African institutions and their impact on social groupings.
Students will interact with African-related academic work, events, and media to deepen their understanding of the subject.
Students will collaborate in groups to research, prepare, and present reports on specific African countries, integrating lecture discussions, readings, and external sources.
Topical Outline
General Introduction: Historical & Geographic Contextualization
Peoples & Languages
Pre-Colonial Legacies
Colonialism and its Aftermath
National Liberation and Political Change
Religions and World Views
Economic Development
Social Structures & Institutions: Family and Kinship
Social Structures & Institutions (continued):
a. Education
b. Health
c. Sports, etc.
Gender and Societies/Education
Surveys: Pan-Africanism & African Diaspora
Literature and the Arts
Agriculture
Environment and Geography
Changes and Effects: Growth, Development, and Underdevelopment
Africa and the World Today (Review & Students' Presentations)
General Education Core
CORE IV: World Languages and Global Culture CORE V: Social Sciences
