Introduction to African History & Contemporary Society

Course Overview

Explore the rich tapestry of African history from the great empires of Mali, Songhai, and Great Zimbabwe through the colonial period to the vibrant contemporary continent. This course challenges misconceptions and provides essential context for understanding Africa's past, present, and future.

What You Will Learn

• The achievements of pre-colonial African empires and civilizations
• The Transatlantic Slave Trade: scale, mechanisms, and lasting impact
• Colonial rule: direct, indirect, and settler colonialism
• Independence movements and key figures (Nkrumah, Mandela, Lumumba)
• Contemporary governance models across Africa's 54 nations
• The African Union, AfCFTA, and Agenda 2063
• Economic trends: tech hubs, renewable energy, demographics

Who This Course Is For

• Students of history, political science, or international relations
• Diaspora members seeking to connect with African heritage
• Business professionals working with African markets
• Anyone interested in understanding the world's fastest-growing continent

Prerequisites

No prerequisites. Open to all levels of prior knowledge.