Modern Africa (HIST*3620)

Code and section: HIST*3620*01

Term: Winter 2024

Details

Course Synopsis:

Based on an examination of selected critical texts, we will explore the crucial experiences of African societies from the ending of the Atlantic slave trade until the recent past. We will examine African peoples’ interactions with each other, with the expanding forces of global capitalism and European colonialism, and their struggle for political independence. We will also investigate Africa’s more recent post-colonial experiences of the politics of nation-building and state formation and the struggle for economic development.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• be conversant with the basic subject matter of the history of the people and states of Africa since the 19th century. 
• appreciate the different perspectives that inform the interpretation of historical texts and evidence.
• relevantly use primary source evidence in historical interpretation and reconstructions of the history of modern Africa.
• critically analyze and synthesize information by doing the required and recommended reading assignments.
• develop and improve writing and oral presentation skills by completing the required writing and presentation assignments.

Prerequisites:

None.

Method of Evaluation and Weights:

25% - Group presentation Students collaboratively research a topic from the course schedule and give a presentation to the class on it. 
25% - Essay 3000-word long. The class will be provided with a list of essay topics/questions from which to choose.
10% - Class discussion/participation
40% - Final exam                                         

Texts Required:

Richard Reid, A History of Modern Africa: 1800 to the Present, 2nd Edition. (Wiley-Blackwell, 2012). [to be purchased]

*Please note: This is a preliminary website description only. The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description. The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.

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