IFCO 2415 - Introduction to African History since 1800

This course will introduce students to the history of Africa south of the Sahara, from the end of the nineteenth century to the present. It will help students to understand the role of Africans in modern history, including the slave-trade, industrial capitalism, colonialism, neoliberalism, and the revival of Christianity and Islam. The first part focuses on the nineteenth century, and the economic and social reconversion of African polities after the abolition of the slave-trade. The second part discusses the European conquest and the colonial era, including the struggles for independence and freedom. The last part brings the course to the present time, reviewing some of Africa's major challenges and hopes today. Besides social and political issues, we will challenge popular misunderstandings about environmental control and pandemics in Africa; explore the reasons why foreigners keep investing in Africa, and explore the relation between development and hyper-debt. The course does not strive for exhaustive coverage, but considers a variety of case-studies. Though we will cover nearly every major region and sub-period within these cases, some will receive particular attention in an effort to balance breadth and depth of historical knowledge.

Jules VILLA,Florence BERNAULT

Cours magistral seul

English

Approx. 2 hours weekly to do the reading, to read notes and review the PPT.

This course does not require any prior knowledge of Africa. As an introductory survey, it seeks to provide students with a basic understanding of the social, cultural and political history of Africa from the late 19th century to the present.

Autumn 2021-2022

The mid-term will consist in a three-page, single spaced review of one of the novels listed in the Bibliography. Guidelines will be handed out early in the semester (40%) A final written exam will take the form of an essay with a choice between two questions (60%). Please note that the final exam will take place on site at Sciences Po.

Lecture.