AHUM 17A01 - Africa and the World : A Historical Introduction South of the Sahara

This course will introduce you to the history of Africa south of the Sahara and its relations with the global world, from the medieval period to the present. The first part (Sessions 1-4) focuses on early African societies and states, ending with a lecture on southern Africa and the colonial conquest. The second part (Sessions 5-8) discusses the colonial era, including African and international struggles for independence and freedom. The last part (Sessions 9-12) brings the course to the present times, reviewing some of Africa's major contributions to global history. Besides social and political issues, we will challenge popular misunderstandings about environmental crises in Africa, and explore economic trends. The course does not strive for exhaustive coverage but considers a variety of case studies. Though it covers nearly every major region and sub-period, some cases will receive particular attention in an effort to balance breadth and depth of historical knowledge.

The course does not require previous knowledge of Africa, as each session provide context to the theme and dynamics it discusses. The readings and course materials incorporate scholarly chapters from monographs and articles, African life histories, primary sources, and fiction to explore the variety of perspectives on history in Africa and the World.

Florence BERNAULT

Cours magistral seul

English

Autumn 2025-2026

ASSIGNMENTS:

An early map exercise (at home), one mid-term in-class exam, one final exam (in class)

LECTURES

1. Sept. 2 - Introduction
2. Sept. 9 - Medieval Africa and the World
3. Sept. 16 - African States and the Slave Trade
4. Sept. 23 - Southern Africa in the 19th century
5. Sept. 30 - Colonialism and Resistance
6. Oct. 7 - Land and Labor under Colonial Domination
7. Oct. 14 - Social Struggles and Political Rights
8. Oct. 21 - Decolonization
9. Nov. 4 - Gender Dynamics
10. Nov. 18 - Cities and World-Cities
11. Nov. 25 - 1994: A Year of Tragedy and Hope (Rwanda, South Africa)
12. Dec. 2 - Environmental Crises