History 4610: Spring 2008
History of Africa

Syllabus

Class meets:  Tuesday/Thursday 11:30am-12:45pm

Office hours: I’m usually around the Reference area, but if you want a guaranteed time, please ask, call or email to set up an appointment.

Students with Disabilities: Any student requiring accommodations or services due to a disability must contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) in room 181 of the Student Service Center. SSD can also arrange to provide course materials (including this syllabus) in alternative formats if necessary.

Description & purpose: This course covers African history from the earliest times to the 20^th century.   We will use both a chronological and a thematic approach.

Learning objectives:

• Students will become familiar with the cultures and civilizations of Africa.
• Students will study the historical roots of current events in Africa.
• Students will study current African issues, problems, solutions and success stories
• Students will learn to use the different types of resources necessary to explore African history.

Texts:

Ehret, Christopher. The Civilizations of Africa. A History to 1800.

A. Adu Boahen : African Perspectives on Colonialism 

Readings - on Reserve in Stewart Library, Lower Level, North - some also available online via class web page.

Assignments:

While I give most weight to the content, all written assignments must be: typed, with at least 1 inch margins, and at least a size 10 font. Include at least a title and your name. Use correct grammar and avoid gross spelling errors and typos or your grade will suffer. These are assignments and not an email to a friend!

• 1 Reaction paper - 25 points 

1.  David Macaulay: Motel of the Mysteries.   (on Reserve).

Scan the book and pick three examples/events.  Explain why they are pertinent to the study of African history. At least 1 1/2 and no more than 3 pages.

 

• 5 News Reports - 10 points each   News assignment how-to

A brief oral report and printouts of news reports on your assigned country from both a Western and an African news source. 

News A:  Derek, Lawaia, Michelle, Callie, Jason, Morgan, James, Simon, Scott

News B:  Heather, Mary, Tylor, Mike, Marcus, Daryl, Rich, Kevin, Alex

• 3 Class presentations - 75  points each   Class presentations info

You will choose a country, region or people in Africa and prepare three presentations: 

1. one on a specific problem or issue
2. one on the solution (real or your proposal) to the problem in presentation one
3. one on a topic that struck you as an interesting and positive aspect of the country, area or people.

You will prepare a 10 minute presentation and an outline and bibliography for each.  The outline and bibliography will be due the week before the presentation.

All topics must be accepted by me before the outline & bibliography are turned in.

• 1 Class presentation - 40 points  Class presentation info

        For the country, area or people you chose, you will do a 5 minute presentation on how your perception has altered since the class began.   You will also provide an outline and a bibliography  due the week before the presentation.

All topics must be accepted by me before the outline & bibliography are turned in.

• Class participation - 60 points

Class participation is critical. Students will receive points based on contributions, preparation and attendance.

Quizzes: at this point I have none planned, however I reserve the right to give in-class quizzes without warning if I feel people have not been doing the reading or are not participating.

Total points =  400