West Africa and the Making of the Ancient and Modern World

Analysis of the culture, politics, and economics of West Africa and West-Central African regions from the earliest times to the present. These are dynamic regions, encompassing over 21 countries, over 1,000 languages, hundreds of ethno-language groups, and diverse belief systems. This course examines social, political, economic, and cultural change, and how West African/ West-Central Africans have shaped global history. In addition to macro politics, the course will also explore microhistories and individual experiences of selfhood, belonging, and family. Course content includes novels, scholarly research in the humanities and social sciences, visual sources, and film. This course surveys five broad themes: 1. Belief, Family, Politics in Early West and West-Central Africa, ca. 300s-1800's 2. Commerce, Empires, Slavery and Global Exchange, ca. the 18th and 19th Centuries 3. Defining Sovereignty in the Era of Colonialism,, ca. 1800-1960 4. The Past of the Present: Nation, Economy, Art, Technology and Built Environments since 1960 and in the present day