HIST287

Students will examine the social, political, cultural, and economic dimensions of contemporary African history. This course pays particular attention to the dynamics of African societies on the eve of European colonialism and the process of colonization in the late 19th century until World War I. Students will seek to understand why and how Europe colonized the continent and how colonialism transformed African societies. Students will also examine the rise of nationalism across the continent in the mid 20th century and the establishment of independent nations in the 1950s and 1960s. Students will examine the impact of African nationalism on independence struggles in Asia, Latin America and North America and the rise of the non-aligned movement. Finally the course will focus on the transformation of African societies in the post-colonial period, including increased civil war, economic decline and revival, intercontinental migrations, and a strengthening relationship with China.