Fall 2003

HIS 311K • Intro to Traditional Africa

Course Description

This is an introductory, interdisciplinary course on the peoples and cultures of Africa. The course is divided into two parts, one on a survey history and the other on cultures. Students are introduced to such topics as the early history, great kingdoms, economic and political institutions. The history and consequences of the interactions with the outside world are examined, with emphasis on Islam and the Atlantic slave trade. After the mid-term we shall shift to cultural issues, notably those institutions that were dominant during the pre-colonial period. Topics that receive attention include government, economy, gender, kinship, religion, art, music and drama.

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