The History of Modern Africa

The course will cover the history of modern Africa, the continent of great diversity, from the beginning of the 19th century when this region was part of the European conquest to the era of postcolonial Africa in the second half of the 20th century. Furthermore, it will deal with its economic, military, social, and cultural transformation in the post-Cold War world and 21st century.  This course will mainly focus on African perspectives of Africa's history. The class will have four sessions.  The sessions will be as follows:

1. The first session will introduce the overall scope of this course including the geography of Africa, geopolitics, and how the history of this continent shaped the history of the world. We will learn about the European subjugation of Africa and the dynamics of colonial rule - with a particular emphasis on analyzing the socio-economic and cultural consequences. 

2. The second session will begin with the rise and development of African nationalism and how Africans responded to colonialism. 
The session then proceeds to the African nations' struggle for independence. 

3. The third section will examine the various postcolonial states such as Algeria, Sudan, Mali, Nigeria, Congo, Angola, and Mozambique. We will focus on the turbulent political and economic development and civil wars. 

4. The final session will deal with the political, military, and economic situation in Africa in the post-Cold War world.  For instance, the class will learn about the impact and challenges of globalization on this continent and about the new world order including China's recent involvement in Africa.