🤴🏿History of Africa – Before 1800

What do you learn in Africa Before 1800

Explore the rich history of Africa from ancient civilizations to the eve of colonialism. You'll cover topics like the rise of kingdoms in West Africa, the spread of Islam, the trans-Saharan trade networks, and the impact of the Atlantic slave trade. The course dives into cultural developments, political structures, and economic systems that shaped the continent before European colonization.

Is Africa Before 1800 hard?

Most students find this course manageable, but it does require consistent effort. The trickiest part is usually keeping track of all the different kingdoms, empires, and time periods. There's a lot of reading involved, and you'll need to remember key dates and events. But if you're into history and can handle some dense texts, you'll be fine.

Tips for taking Africa Before 1800 in college

1. Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram for exams and quizzes 🌶️
2. Create a timeline to visualize the chronology of events and empires
3. Focus on understanding broader themes rather than memorizing every single fact
4. Use maps to understand geographical context of different regions and trade routes
5. Watch "Africa's Great Civilizations" documentary series by Henry Louis Gates Jr. for visual context
6. Read "African Kingdoms: An Encyclopedia of Empires and Civilizations" for additional context
7. Join or form a study group to discuss readings and share notes

Common pre-requisites for Africa Before 1800

1. Introduction to African Studies: This course provides an overview of African geography, cultures, and contemporary issues. It sets a foundation for more specific historical studies.

2. World History to 1500: This class covers global developments from ancient civilizations to the early modern period. It helps contextualize African history within broader world events.

Classes similar to Africa Before 1800

1. African Diaspora Studies: Examines the global dispersion of African peoples and cultures. Focuses on communities in the Americas, Europe, and elsewhere.

2. African Art History: Explores the diverse artistic traditions of Africa from ancient times to the present. Covers sculpture, painting, textiles, and architecture.

3. Colonialism and African History: Analyzes the impact of European colonization on African societies. Examines resistance movements and the path to independence.

4. Ancient Egyptian Civilization: Delves into the history, culture, and achievements of ancient Egypt. Covers topics from the Old Kingdom through the Ptolemaic period.

Majors related to Africa Before 1800

1. African American Studies: Focuses on the history, culture, and experiences of people of African descent in the Americas. Combines elements of history, sociology, literature, and political science.

2. History: Examines past events, societies, and cultures to understand human development over time. Develops critical thinking and research skills applicable to many careers.

3. Anthropology: Studies human societies, cultures, and development across time and space. Combines biological, archaeological, linguistic, and cultural approaches to understanding humanity.

4. International Relations: Analyzes interactions between nations, international organizations, and non-state actors. Covers diplomacy, global economics, and cross-cultural communication.

What can you do with a degree in Africa Before 1800?

1. Museum Curator: Organizes exhibitions, manages collections, and conducts research in museums. Specializes in African art, artifacts, or historical exhibits.

2. International Development Specialist: Works on projects to improve economic and social conditions in developing countries. Applies historical knowledge to understand cultural contexts and design effective programs.

3. Cultural Resource Manager: Protects and preserves historical and cultural sites. Conducts archaeological surveys, manages historical properties, and ensures compliance with preservation laws.

4. Diversity and Inclusion Consultant: Helps organizations create inclusive environments and policies. Uses historical knowledge to provide context for current diversity issues and develop effective strategies.

Africa Before 1800 FAQs

1. How much writing is involved in this course? Expect to write several short papers and possibly one longer research paper. Writing assignments typically focus on analyzing primary sources or comparing different historical interpretations.

2. Are there any field trips or hands-on components? Some professors organize visits to local museums with African art collections. You might also get to handle replicas of historical artifacts in class.

3. How does this course relate to current events in Africa? While the course focuses on pre-1800 history, understanding this background is crucial for grasping modern African politics and society. You'll often discuss how historical patterns continue to influence contemporary issues.