INTL 2700 - Introduction to Africa

Objectives:

1. Identify key events, nations/kingdoms, individuals/organizations, and social, cultural, political and economic movements relevant to the study of African civilization as well as their influences in a global perspective.
2. Identify significant topics of African culture, tradition, commerce, religion, and society and examine their influence in a global context.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of certain major topics germane to the study of Africa.

Objectives:

1. Evaluate how geography and environment played a role in the development of the African continent.
2. Explain the role of religion and traditional institutions in the development of African cultures.
3. Explain the effects of colonialism on Africa and its institutions.
4. Evaluate the independence movements, de-colonization, and the condition of contemporary Africa.

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the African experience within a global context.

Objectives:

1. Examine the pre-colonization relationships between Africa and the global community.
2. Examine the colonial relationships between Africa and the global community.
3. Evaluate the post-colonial relationships between Africa and the global community.

Outcome 4: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply critical thinking and writing skills to Africa-related topics and issues.

Objectives:

1. Discuss analytical methods and processes.
2. Write essays presenting critical analysis.

1. Introduction to Africa
   1. Anthropology, Geography, and Culture
      1. Africa and Human Origins
      2. Physical Context of African History: Geography and Environment
      3. North and Northeast Africa in Early World History
      4. Migrations, Technology, and Culture in Ancient Africa
   2. Development of African Art, Architecture, Literature, and Music
      1. “Traditional” African Art Forms
      2. Early and Medieval Architectural Development
      3. Early Written and Oral Literature in Pre-Colonial Africa
      4. Court and Sacral Music Forms
   3. Early Religious Influences
      1. Africa and the Early Christian World
      2. North and West Africa and the Spread of Islam
      3. East Africa and the Advent of Islam
2. African Civilization in the Modern World
   1. Social Psychological, Economic, and Political Influences, 1500-1880
      1. Slavery and the Creation of the Atlantic World
      2. West and West-Central Africa, 1500-1880
      3. North Africa and the Sudan, 1500-1880
      4. East Africa, 1500-1850
      5. Southern Africa, 1500-1870
   2. Socio-Economic and Political Transformations in Colonial Africa, 1880-1945
      1. Colonialism and African Resistance
      2. Economic Change in Modern Africa: Forced Integration into the World System
      3. Political Change in the Time of Colonization
   3. Socio-Economic, Political, and Cultural Dynamics of Contemporary Africa, 1945-Present
      1. African Culture in the Modern World
      2. Influences of modern African Art, Literature, and Music in the Contemporary World
      3. Politics in the Era of Decolonization and Independence
      4. Contemporary Africa