History of African Civilization
Honors Option
Hybrid Course

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The History of African Civilization will focus on the Modern History of Africa since 1800. However, students will review the major themes and topics relevant in understanding Africa’s global contributions from the ancient times. Examples of there topics are: African Origins of Humanity, Culture & Civilization, Ancient African Cultures & States, Medieval Era State Formation & Imperialism, Trade, Spirituality & Religion in African History, Islam in Africa, Pre-Columbian African in America, Early Modern Global forces in Africa: European Commercial Revolution & Atlantic Slave trade, European Imperialism (Colonialism), African Nationalism, PanAfricanism, Neocolonialism, Modern African Challenges: Health, Global Debt, Physical Environmental Realities, The African Diaspora.

As part of the NVCC Division of Humanities & Social Sciences, as well as the International Studies Program of the African Diaspora, we seek to:

1. Assist students in improving their skills in reading, critical thinking, logical reasoning, clarifying, articulating, summarizing, synthesizing and listening.
2. Stimulate dialogue and enhance knowledge of bibliographical sources.
3. Acquaint students with the tools for analyzing personalities, groups, and events as well as their effect on the functioning of society.
4. Help students understand continuity and change in historical development.
5. Articulate the interrelationship of historical themes to other disciplines, especially in the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and fine arts.
6. Highlight the significant contributions of Africa and its populations in the past, present, and future development of global affairs.
   

Of course, you are required and expected to be present at each weekly class session and on time! If you are absent two or more times this may disqualify you from your positive experience with us causing your withdrawal or failure of History 203. All assignments are to be submitted on time to receive full credit. Your study and presence will lend significantly to your classmates’ as well as your own learning experience. This is an Honors Option course and I will do my best in instructing you on pursuing such accreditation.

The course requirements or stuff of grades are organized into thirds as follows:

In-class and Take-home Examinations (2-3)      1/3
Book Review and Term (Research) Paper           1/3
Final Comprehensive Examination                    1/3

Extra credit opportunities will be offered to enhance your learning and supplement your grade. Each extra credit assignment can bring you seven points, which is added to the first third of your grade.

Texts: Africa & Africans by Paul Bohannan & Phillip Curtain, The Africans: A Reader by Ali Mazrui & Toby Levine, The UNESCO General History of Africa, Vol. VIII, Africa Since1935 edited by Ali Mazrui, et. Al.

Research Requirements: I take it as my teaching responsibility to instruct you on the topical and thematic history, intellectual historiography, as well as the methodology and format of all assignments well before the due dates. We will always review the relevant materials before testing. Other information will be provided concerning research.

Due to the online component of hybrid classes, it is a prerequisite that students have internet access, a current browser, E-mail skills and their VCCS e-mail account enabled. For a definition of hybrid courses, see this excellent FAQ from a North carolina Community College.

Help with Blackboard and your VCCS e-mail can be found on the NVCC web page, www.nvcc.edu. CJuly 27, 2005>

Due to the online component of hybrid classes, it is a prerequisite that students have

• internet access,
• a current browser,
• E-mail skills and their
• VCCS e-mail account enabled

For a definition of hybrid courses, see this FAQ from a North Carolina Community College.

Help with Blackboard and your VCCS e-mail can be found on the NVCC web page, through the IT Help Desk.

I. Early & Ancient African History:
A. The African Environment & Strategic Location
B. Origins of Humanity, Culture & Civilization
C. Ancient Ethiopia & The Nile Valley Civilizations

II. Medieval Era Indigenous African History:
A. The Western Sudanic States
B. Eastern & Southern Developments
C. Intercontinental & regional Influences (Islam & Trade)

III. Western Influences:
 A. Atlantic Slave Trade
 B. The Modern Diaspora
 C. African Depopulation & Cultural Trauma

 IV. Modern Western Imperialism:
A. Effective Occupation & African Resistance
B. European Colonial Policies
C. Africa & The World Wars

V. African Self Determination:
A. Nationalism & Independence
B. Culture, Racism & Ideology
C. Post World War II Cold War Challenges

VI. The World & Africa:
A. Global Political & Environmental Issues
B. United State Foreign Policy & Africa
C. NVCC & Africa: The New African-Americans
 

Readings from texts will be assigned weekly!

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