Major requirement: History of Africa/Middle East; Period Prior to 1800
What is Africa? What does Africa's civilization tell us about global networks and system? How does the history of Africa fit into that of the rest of the world? This course will answer these questions and map the general contours informing the continent’s history to 1800. Significant themes include cultural practices, origin of humankind, voluntary and involuntary internal migration and settlement, technology and innovation, religious changes and transformation, farming and food production, diseases and healing, political organization, and slave and “legitimate” trades, among others. The course is structured to encourage active participation, and it will provide you with the research tools to enhance your critical thinking and writing skills.