HIAF

Introduces the study of history intended for first- or second-year students. Seminars involve reading, discussing, and writing about different historical topics and periods, and emphasize the enhancement of critical and communication skills. Several seminars are offered each term. Not more than two Introductory Seminars may be counted toward the major in history.

Possible Concentrations: 

• Global and Transnational History
• War, Violence, and Society

This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject area of African History.

Studies the history of African civilizations from the iron age through the era of the slave trade, ca. 1800. Emphasizes the search for the themes of social, political, economic, and intellectual history which present African civilizations on their own terms.

Studies the history of Africa and its interaction with the western world from the mid-19th century to the present. Emphasizes continuities in African civilization from imperialism to independence that transcend the colonial interlude of the 20th century.

Possible Concentrations: 

• Race, Ethnicity, and Empire

This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject area of African History.

Surveys the main outlines of North African political, economic, and cultural history from the rise of Carthage as a Mediterranean power until the conclusion of the Algerian war for independence in 1962, and the creation of a system of nation-states in the region. It places the North African historical experience within the framework of both Mediterranean/European history and African history. Focuses mainly upon the area stretching from Morocco's Atlantic coast to the Nile Delta; also considered are Andalusia and Sicily, and the ties between Northwest Africa and sub-Saharan regions, particularly West Africa.

Studies the history of Africa generally south of the Zambezi River. Emphasizes African institutions, creation of ethnic and racial identities, industrialization, and rural poverty, from the early formation of historical communities to recent times.

Possible Concentrations: 

• Race, Ethnicity, and Empire

This course concerns the trans-Atlantic slave trade, with an emphasis on African history. Through interactive lectures, in-class discussions, written assignments and examinations of first-hand accounts by slaves and slavers, works of fiction and film, and analyses by historians, we will seek to understand one of the most tragic and horrifying phenomena in the history of the western world.

Possible Concentrations: 

• Global and Transnational History
• Race, Ethnicity, and Empire
• War, Violence, and Society

History of West Africans in the wider context of the global past, from West Africans' first attempts to make a living in ancient environments through the slave trades (domestic, trans-Saharan, and Atlantic), colonial overrule by outsiders, political independence, and ever-increasing globalization.

Possible Concentrations: 

• Capitalism and Economic Life
• Global and Transnational History
• Race, Ethnicity and Empire

World history from the perspective of Africa, for advanced undergraduates. The interpretive emphasis falls equally on the epistemology of thinking historically, historical processes recurring throughout the human experience, and the specific ways in which Africans experienced and elaborated them. The course develops a strong critique of conventional textbook approaches to both Africa and world history.

This course explores how Africans changed their interactions with the physical environments they inhabited and how the landscapes they helped create in turn shaped human history. Topics covered include the ancient agricultural revolution, health and disease in the era of slave trading, colonial-era mining and commodity farming, 20th-century wildlife conservation, and the emergent challenges of land ownership, disease, and climate change.

Concentrations: 

• Environment, Space, and Society

Required for history majors, to be completed before enrollment in the Major Seminar. Introduces a variety of approaches to the study of history, methods for finding and analyzing primary and secondary sources, and the construction of historical arguments.

Possible Concentrations: 

• Global and Transnational History
• Law and Society
• War, Violence, and Society

This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject area of African History.

Possible Concentrations: 

• Environment, Space, and Society

The major seminar is a small class (not more than 15 students) intended primarily but not exclusively for history majors who have completed two or more courses relevant to the topic of the seminar. Seminar work results primarily in the preparation of a substantial (ca. 25 pp. in standard format) research paper. Some restrictions and prerequisites apply to enrollment. See a history advisor or the director of undergraduate studies.

The major colloquium is a small class (not more than 15 students) intended primarily but not exclusively for history majors who have completed two or more courses relevant to the topic of the colloquium. Colloquia are most frequently offered in areas of history where access to source materials or linguistic demands make seminars especially difficult. Students in colloquia prepare about 25 pages of written work distributed among various assignments. Some restrictions and prerequisites apply to enrollment. See a history advisor or the director of undergraduate studies.

In exceptional circumstances and with the permission of a faculty member, any student may undertake a rigorous program of independent study designed to explore a subject not currently being taught or to expand upon regular offerings. Independent study projects may not be used to replace regularly scheduled classes. Open to majors or non-majors.

This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject area of African History.

Taught for graduate students with no previous experience in African history; consists of attendance at the lecture sessions of HIAF 2001, 2002, and weekly discussions devoted to more detailed examination of the technical and interpretive problems in writing African history.

Introduces the literature on North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia) from the precolonial period to the postcolonial era. An intensive readings and discussion colloquium devoted to the major issues in the region's political, economic, social, and cultural history, and to the issues raised by colonial historiography.  Prerequisite: HIME 2001, 2002.

This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject area of African History.

This tutorial introduces the major themes, debates, and methods of studying pre-colonial African history. It is intended to prepare graduate students for preliminary examinations as well as to teach African history. Topics include the invention of Africa, non-archival methodologies, continuity and change in African religious and cultural history, the impact of European trade and culture on coastal societies, slavery in African society.