This course examines the early history of Africa, from human evolution to colonization by European powers in the late 19th century. Topics include: the development of states from kinship based forms of political organization, the political, cultural, and social transformations that accompanied African conversion to Islam, a close examination of oral epic poetry as a window into medieval empire-building in the Sahel, an extended conversation about the role of Africa in the transatlantic slave trade, and a discussion of the dilemmas faced by African rulers in the era of partition on conquest by European powers. Successful students will gain a thorough introduction to the major developments in the early history of Africa, which will serve as a solid foundation for further coursework in African history and other African studies courses.

This course examines the early history of Africa, from human evolution to colonization by European powers in the late 19th century. Topics include: the development of states from kinship based forms of political organization, the political, cultural, and social transformations that accompanied African conversion to Islam, a close examination of oral epic poetry as a window into medieval empire-building in the Sahel, an extended conversation about the role of Africa in the transatlantic slave trade, and a discussion of the dilemmas faced by African rulers in the era of partition on conquest by European powers. Successful students will gain a thorough introduction to the major developments in the early history of Africa, which will serve as a solid foundation for further coursework in African history and other African studies courses.