The History of Sub-Saharan Africa to 1860

Survey of sub-Saharan Africa to 1860, with attention to the range of methodologies used in writing early African history, including oral history, archaeology, and anthropology. Will address themes of the impact of climate change on migration and settlement, trade and commerce, state formation, slavery, and the impact of Islam and Christianity on the continent. Will provide a methodological and historiographical framework in which more specific historical processes and events may be placed and understood.
Course Notes: No prior college level History is required or assumed. Students seeking to fulfill their Social Sciences distribution requirement, first-years, and others are welcome.