Course description
African history is in many ways the history of humankind. It is where we as a species evolved, where we first learned to adapt to different environments, and from where we migrated to the furthest corners of the planet. This connection with the rest of the world has continued uninterrupted from antiquity to the present. Ancient Egypt left its mark on classic European culture; the West African gold-for-salt trade was so lucrative that it inspired European maritime exploration, and East African trade networks crossed the Indian ocean all the way to the Middle East, India and China. On the opposite side of the continent, the horrific transatlantic slave trade took millions of Africans to the New World, but in so doing also gave birth to the African diaspora and new cultural practices that in the twentieth century changed global popular culture through music genres like blues, jazz, rock ’n roll and hip-hop. However, the dynamics of the colonial era did much to popularize the lasting perception that Africa is a continent without history, situated on the periphery of economic and political power. In response, Africanist scholars have adopted multi-disciplinary approaches in the study of the histories of non-elites that have illuminated not only unique features of African societies but also profoundly universal human experience(s). This course - for which students do not require any prior knowledge - is a multi-disciplinary exploration of African history, from its most ancient times to the present, intended to enhance students’ knowledge of the continent and to help them reflect on their own histories in new ways.

Learning outcomes
Students will gain a better knowledge of the history of interaction between Africa and other parts of the world, how African lived experiences (social, cultural, political, economic, etc.) are situated on various historical trajectories, and how these experiences can help students to better understand, and reflect on, their own histories. 

Teaching method
The course consists of 3 x 3 hour face-to-face meetings per week over four weeks that will be a blend of lectures, seminars, group presentations, and discussions drawing from multi-media sources like documentaries, films, news clips, music, etc. Synchronous and asynchronous online class presentations are also an option.

Assessments
Two tutorial assignments (to be presented in class) - 10% each of final mark
One research essay - 30% of the final mark
One exam at the end of the term - 50%

Virtual component

An introductory webinar will be scheduled for a date in July. Here, the outlines of the program will be discussed and participants will be introduced to each other and share backgrounds. This will be followed by an:

Asynchronous release of a detailed recorded discussion that covers each of the assignments required by the program and their intended outcomes so that students can plan ahead and prepare in advance. This also leaves ample time for any questions in case of uncertainties.

A final webinar will be scheduled for a date after the program to reflect on the course and its outcomes and to provide feedback.

Bibliography (more sources to be added in response to class discussions):

Asante, M.K., The History of Africa: The Quest for Eternal Harmony. (London: Routledge, 2007).

Bayart, J., and Ellis, S., “Africa in the World: A History of Extraversion”, African Affairs, Apr., 2000, Vol. 99, No. 395, pp. 217-267.

Brizuela-Garcia, E., “Africa in the World: History and Historiography”, https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190277734.013.296 Published online: 20 November 2018.

Falola, T. ed., Africa, Vol. 1-5, (Durham, NC, Carolina Academic press, 2000-2003).

Harbeson, J.W., & Rothchild, D.S., (eds), Africa in world politics: reforming political or-der, (B.O. Colorado: Westview Press, 2009).

Sheldon, K., African Women: Early History to the 21st Century. (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2017).

Required viewing

‘African Empires: the history we aren't being taught - Prof. Kevin MacDonald, UCL African Studies’, UCL Global Health, 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEtDLBGGQeQ

‘Africa: States of independence - the scramble for Africa’, Aljazeera English, 2010, www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgzSnZidGuU&t=87s

‘Colonialism in Africa: Yesterday, today and tomorrow’, DW News, 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzxWd_F7bDU
‘How does colonialism shape the world we live in? | The Stream’, Aljazeera Eng-lish, 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOdLzM4lz-Y

‘Slavery and Suffering - History Of Africa with Zeinab Badawi [Episode 16]’ BBC News Africa, 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajI8lkYdmAk