History of West Africa

This seminar investigates the social, political, cultural, and economic history of West and West-Central Africa from the earliest times to the present. This is a dynamic region, encompassing: 21 countries, about 1,000 languages, hundreds of ethnic and language groups, and varied religions and belief systems. This course explores the following themes:: Early Empires, Societies, and Technologies; The Era of Atlantic Trade: 1700's-1800's; Colonialism and Decolonization: ca. 1800-1960; Africa Today: States, Politics, and Culture after 1960; Islam, Culture, and Politics; Gender, Sexuality, and Family History; Culture, Arts, Music Literature. Course also explores how West Africans have shaped global history.