Course content

This course provides an overview of the main issues in tropical Africa's history (Africa south of the Sahara) in the period from 1700 to the present. The goal is to provide insights into the important processes that brought change to African communities, as seen from a long historical perspective. Africa will also be examined in a global context, with contact and interaction with the rest of the world as a central theme. Both external and internal factors will be considered in discussions of Africa's development. The course is an elective for a bachelor's degree in history and an obligatory course for the bachelor's programme in African studies.

Learning outcome

Students should come away with a basic understanding of the main features affecting African society during three periods: a)1700-1870, Africa before European colonisation; b)1870-1960, Africa under colonial rule; c)1960-2000, An independent Africa. The course places emphasis on students' acquisition of insights into the central processes that were agents of change as a basis for understanding modern Africa's development problems.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and seminars. One take-home assignments, evaluated as approved/not approved, with a six-hour final examination.

Compulsory assignments

• One approved assignment

Required previous knowledge

None

Credit reductions