History of Africa to 1800. Origins of agriculture, rise and
growth of complex societies and states, spread and importance of
Islam, trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade, rise of the
Atlantic slave trade, and diaspora issues.
Athena Title
African History to 1800
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to arrive at conclusions about African history by gathering and weighing evidence, logical argument, and listening to counter argument.
By the end of this course, students will be able to write stylistically appropriate papers and essays about African history. Students will be able to analyze ideas and evidence about pre-1800 Africa, organize their thoughts, and revise and edit their finished essays.
By the end of this course, students will be able to identify how pre-modern African history has shaped social and cultural identities, encouraging them to understand diverse worldviews and experiences.
Topical Outline
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
The beginning of European conquest and colonialism
The course assumes no prior background in African Studies
General Education Core
CORE IV: World Languages and Global Culture CORE V: Social Sciences
Institutional Competencies
Communication
The ability to effectively develop, express, and exchange ideas in written, oral, or visual form.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
