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HIST 361 Africa: From Ancient Times to 1800

This course is a survey of the history of sub-Saharan Africa to approximately 1800, exploring developments in the cultural, sociopolitical and economic life of the region. Specific topics include the Neolithic Revolution; the Great Bantu Migrations; rise and decline of states; the impact of Islam; the impact of trade on political, social and religious changes; and early European settlements in southern Africa. (Also listed as EthS 349 Africa: From Ancient Times to 1800.)

Prerequisites

4 Undergraduate credits

Effective August 1, 1998 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Knowledge of the fundamental changes in human history on the African continent until about 200 years ago, consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctively characteristic of upper-division courses completed at a comprehensive university.
  • Ability to analyze critically these change phenomena from subaltern perspectives, consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctively characteristic of upper-division courses completed at a comprehensive university.
  • Empathetic awareness of cultures and societies different from the ones in which you live and recognition of the dominance of certain groups, consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctively characteristic of upper-division courses completed at a comprehensive university.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

  • Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
  • Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
  • Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
  • Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.

Goal 8: Global Perspective

  • Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences.
  • Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution.
  • Understand the role of a world citizen and the responsibility world citizens share for their common global future.