HIS 271 African History to 1885
Precolonial African history, focusing on the sociocultural, economic, and
political realities of sub-Saharan societies between the neolithic Period
and the Partitioning of the Continent by European powers inaugurated in
1885. Special emphasis will be placed on the tools scholars use to write
African history, with particular reference to oral tradition, linguistic
and archaeological evidence, and the material cultural record. Important
themes include the indigenous, trans-Saharan, and trans-Atlantic slave
trades, gender, the role of women in African history, Islam, art, and
music. Course will culminate in regional vistas of Africa on the event of
imperialist expansion of European powers. Expanding general geographic
knowledge will be highly encouraged. This course is offered some fall
semesters.
Credits: 1
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