Unit information: The Creation of Modern Africa (Level C Special Topic) in 2011/12

Unit name	The Creation of Modern Africa (Level C Special Topic)
Unit code	HIST14010
Credit points	20
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Rob Skinner
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of History (Historical Studies)
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This course introduces some of the major themes in modern African history south of the Sahara. Conceptual and methodological questions have been vigorously debated by historians of Africa, challenging whether thematic, regional or chronological approaches are most appropriate to the history of the continent. The unit will tackle such issues in order to establish a broader understanding of the range and complexity of African history. It is structured around a number of themes that at the same time reflect the chronology of modern Africa: colonisation and resistance; the contours and structural effects of colonial experience; the challenge of anti-colonial nationalism; decolonisation and conflict in post-colonial societies.

We will examine a number of topics that historians have taken to be central to our understanding of modern Africa. The unit follows a broadly chronological outline: starting with the dramatic impact of late-nineteenth century imperial expansion, we will then examine the contours of colonial power, its influence on African economic and social life, on gender roles and “ethnic” identities, and the move towards decolonisation and independence in the years following WWII.

Aims:

• To place students in direct contact with the current research interests of the academic tutor

• To introduce students to introduces some of the major themes in modern African history south of the Sahara

• To explore issues surrounding the state of research in the field.

• To introduce students to working with primary sources

• To introduce students to issues relating to setting primary sources in their wider context

• To introduce students to the practice of learning independently within a small-group context.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the unit students should have:

• deepened their understanding of current historical research in modern African history south of the Sahara

• learned how to work with primary sources

• developed their skills in contributing to and learning from a small-group environment

Teaching Information

10 x 2 hour seminars.

Assessment Information

1 x 2 hour summative exam (100%).

Reading and References

• John Iliffe, The Africans (1995)

• Bill Freund, The Making of Contemporary Africa (1998)

• P. Curtin, et al., African History (1995)

• R.O. Collins (ed), Historical Problems of Imperial Africa (1994)

• Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart (1958)