This course examines African history from 1800 to the present. It also includes studies of African societies in the first half of the 19th century; the impact of “New Imperialism” and the scramble for Africa by Europeans at the end of the century; colonial states and societies; African nationalist and independent movements; the impact of decolonization; and Africa in the modern world. 

This course examines African history from early times until the end of the Atlantic slave trade with special attention paid to the political, social, and economic sectors of pre-colonial Africa. Topics for discussion include the origin of humankind; the development and expansion of early large states across Africa; and the establishment of early trade networks among Africa, Europe, and the Arab world.

This is a semester long project that introduces students to historical methods, primary sources, original research, and the differences between quantitative and qualitative research.