SOSC202

This course gives a general overview of sub-Saharan African cultures, societies, and entities before the modern colonial period. The course covers Africa from the early Common Era (200 AD Rise of Ancient Ghana and the decline of Ancient Meroe), to the second half of the 19th century (1880 AD the West scramble for Africa). Students will be introduced to medieval civilizations, such as Mali, Ethiopia, and Great Zimbabwe, but sub-Saharan Africa is diverse and thus the focus on a particular region will depend on the expertise of the instructor. Finally, this course will make the essential cultural and physical connections with black Africa and its African Diaspora to the Americas, Caribbean, and Middle East.