Fall 2009

HIS 317N • COLONLSM IN AFR, 1880-1960-W

Course Description

This is an introductory course that explores the complex history of the European colonization of Africa. The course will examine the increasingly rapid incorporation of Africa into a Western-dominated world by focusing on African responses to the processes of colonial rule, economic subordination, and "cultural imperialism." Rather than attempt to provide a comprehensive chronological overview of the entire continent, this course will focus on broad integrative themes and representative case studies upon which students can build an understanding of African history. The course will explore the destructive events of the colonization of Africa; identify the relation and significance of race, gender, and class in explaining the construction of Africa's colonial history; examine the nature and contributions of European missionaries and settlers; examine the impact of African nationalism in the 20th century; weight the relative merits of reform vs. revolution in the formation of a Post-Colonial African continent; and identify how the Western world consciously recreates images of Africa that are often negative and irrational. The course will examine all of these issues through the readings, discussions, lectures, written assignments, map and geography quizzes, debates, and deconstructing media presentations on Africa.

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