HIST117

Description

A continuation of HIST 116: African before History, this course explores Africa's position in global history from the nineteenth century to recent times. We will explore how Africans constructed their society in response to the challenges and opportunities of European colonialism, the Cold War, and post-colonial realities by critically examining primary and secondary sources, including letters and speeches of some African intelligentsias, life (oral) testimonies, and historical books. We will also draw on digital history materials like films to unpack major revolutions that occurred in modern Africa. The course will highlight African initiatives and agencies amid rapidly changing political, social, and ideological phenomena. Key topics of discussion will include European colonial rule, African nationalism, the impacts of the Cold War on Africa, women and gender, and war and peace in Africa, with the latter featuring special topics including apartheid in South Africa and genocide in Namibia and Rwanda. Students who took HIST 107 are not able to register this course.