QUEENS COLLEGE
AFRICANA STUDIES PROGRAM
FALL 2012
AFRICAN CIVILIZATION I
Section 101
Tue. 10:50 a.m- 12:05 p.m
Thur. 10:50 a.m- 12:05 p.m
Office Hours:
Mon & Wed: 11:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
Delany Hall room 125
Prof. E. Julmisse
[email protected]
[email protected]
SYLLABUS
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The aim of this course is to offer a definitive introduction to the discipline of African
Civilization from pre-historic cultures in Nubia, Ethiopia, Ancient Egypt, to the rise and
fall of the Great West African Empires, to the coming of the Europeans and its impact on
African societies. Moreover the course will survey the culture and regional history of
several tribes of Western, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa. Our focus will be to
dispel the myth that Africa has no history. British historian Hugh Trevor Roper argued:”
There is only the history of Europeans in Africa. The rest is largely darkness. And
darkness is not a subject for history”. “To attempt a history of Africa” declared Roper “is
to amuse ourselves with the unrewarding gyrations of barbarous tribes in picturesque but
irrelevant corners of the globe”…
This view of pre-colonial African history may be considered as one that is biased which
has stereotyped and hindered the proper study of Africa’s history. Therefore this course
will re-examine the misinterpretations and reasons for distortions in the study of African
Civilizations. The understanding of African history is essential to an appreciation of the
heritage of the people of Africa and African descent.
OBJECTIVES:
Through lectures, readings, class discussions and videos, students will be introduced to
major topics and patterns that have molded the continent from the earliest times, from the
primitive man to Ethiopia’s and Ancient Egypt’s cultures to the demise of the Western
African Empires of Ghana, Mali and Songhai. The course explores: early human
settlements, Nubian, Egyptian, Ethiopian ancient civilizations, states, kingdoms, empires
and a wide range of social, religious, political, technological, cultural and economic
history of Early Africa. Furthermore, students will be apprised of the social, political
cultural organizations and spiritual beliefs of a few selected tribes. The course will assist
students to gain knowledge and understanding of the role of Africa and its peoples in
mankind history.
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African Civilization I gives students a fundamental background, understanding and an
appreciation of pre-colonial African history. It traces the history and culture of the prehistoric man; it analyzes the historical and societal structures of Ancient Egypt, Nubia,
and Meroe, the political, cultural development of the empires of Ghana, Mali and
Songhai, as well as Great Zimbabwe. It also examines the political structure and cultures
of several tribes, thereby exposing students to different ethnic groups and various cultural
differences for better understanding and appreciation. Students acquire knowledge
through their reading assignments, class lectures, handouts and documentary films. They
will be exposed to different historians viewpoints, they will engage in class discussions,
and form their own opinion. Students will improve their skills in:
• Reading and interpreting textbooks, visual materials and notes given in class
• Organizing and presenting ideas in what is discussed in class
• Writing clearly and expressively.
STUDENTS LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will be able to:
a) Identify geographical areas, regions and other places relevant to an
understanding of Early Africa
b) Identify the men and women who have played leading roles in the history
of Early Africa ex: Ancient Egyptians: i.e. Imhotep, Hatshepsut, Amenhotep
IV, Nefertiti, Taharka; the Greek historian Herodotus etc...
c) Analyze the political, societal and cultural evolution of some African
societies and compare them ex: Ashanti kingdom and Yoruba kingdom
d) Explain key events as to their causes and consequences during the periods
that witnessed the Rise and Fall of the Great Western African Empires:
Ghana, Mali, Songhai
e) Describe and explain the causes and impact of Islam in Africa ex: the TransSaharan trade, the Eastern trade
f) In First, Mid-Term and Final Examinations, and extra work such as research
paper, students will be able to name, describe historical figures’ roles, their
accomplishments, and to analyze important key events through successive
periods of Early Africa history.
g) Questions and exams will require students to describe specific events and
offer explanations of the same using information from assigned readings,
material and documentary films shown in class.
h) Specific questions will ask students to provide narratives that describe
historical, cultural, religious activities concerning Ancient Egypt, the
Western Empires, Zimbabwe as well as their short and long term impacts.
i) Using knowledge of economic, political conditions of the continent prior to
the Slave Trade, students will address essay questions as to the European
exploration, African participation and impact of the Slave Trade on African
societies.
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REQUIRED TEXTS:
1- John G. Jackson, (2001) Introduction to African Civilizations, New York Citadel Press
ISBN: 9780806521893
2 - Ivan Van Sertima, (1998) Blacks in Sciences, Ancient and Modern, New Jersey,
Transaction Publishers
ISBN: 9780878559411
3 -AFST 101 Package #030 to be picked up at Queens Copy Center 65-01 Kissena Blvd.
Handouts will be distributed to students. Documentary films will be shown.
Suggested reading text: Cheick Anta Diop (1974), The African Origin of Civilization
Myth or Reality, Chicago, Lawrence Hill Books
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Students are required to do all the readings assigned. There are three essay
examinations. Students are to demonstrate their knowledge and interest in the subject
matter by actively participating in class. Students must pay attention to grammar and
spelling. Students must follow the college guidelines for rules pertaining to attendance,
withdrawal eating in class, plagiarism, lateness, conduct and grades. Poor attendance will
affect your final grade.
PLAGIARISM:
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas, words or artistic, scientific or
technical work as one’s own creation. Using the idea or work of another is permissible
only when the original author is identified. Paraphrasing and summarizing, as well as
direct quotation, require citations to the original source. Plagiarism may be intentional or
unintentional. Students who are unsure how and when to provide documentation are
advised to consult with instructors. The library has guides designed to help students to
appropriately identify a cited work.
LATENESS:
You will be expected to abide by this zero-tolerance-attendance policy to respect peer’s
learning space. Please note that there are no exceptions to this policy.
REQUIREMENTS OF STUDENTS:
1- Students are required to turn off all electronic devices such as cellular phones,
pagers, twitters, texting devices etc...
2- Students should plan to attend class for the entire period. It is a distraction to
have students consistently arriving late and leaving early. If you must leave early
for a legitimate reason, please notify the instructor before class and then sit close
to the door.
3- Talking during class (which is not related to class discussions) is considered rude
and will not be tolerated.
4- Outside reading materials, such as newspapers, magazines, and assignments for
other classes should be put away when class begins.
5- Class members are expected to treat each other with courtesy and respect.
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Evaluation and Requirements of Students
1-Students will participate in class. Your participation will take different forms: from
asking and answering questions to oral presentations
2- There will be quizzes and exams in essay form (a midterm and a final)
The Final Grade will reflect the above as follow:
GRADING:
Class Participation:
First Examination:
Second Examination:
Final Examination:
10 points
20 points
20 points.
50 points
MAIN TOPICS TO BE STUDIED
1- The Geographical Zones of Africa
a) African topography, main rivers, and lakes
b) The main faunal localities of Africa
2- The nature of pre-history
a) Archeology
b) Methods used to interpret and date discovered archeological artifacts
3- The origins of Man, Africa the Cradle of Mankind
a) Excavation sites of man in Africa
b) Man the tool maker – pre-historic man
4- The Neolithic Revolution
a) The beginning of civilization – Agricultural Revolution
b) The peopling of Africa
c) Evidence of early states, cultures and kingdoms
5- Ethiopia, Ancient Egypt, Cush (Nubia-Sudan)
a) Ethiopian and Sudanese ancient Civilizations
b) Ancient Egyptian history and culture
c) Sudanese, Meoritic civilizations – Axum
d) Testimonies of Herodotus, Volney, Diop etc…
6- Traditional African religions and the invasion of Islam into Africa
a) Characteristics of traditional African religions
b) The migrational impact of Islam on Africa
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7- West African Civilizations
a) The rise and fall of Ghana, Mali, Songhai, Bornu (West African Empires)
b) The Tran-Saharan trade
c) The West African Forest States of Ife, Oyo,
d) The Ashanti, the Yoruba, and Kano kingdoms
8- The migration of Africans into East, Central and South Africa
a) The civilization of Mashonaland
b) The Bantu speaking tribes
c) The Kikuyu, the Masaai
d) The Swazi and the San people - the Bushmen
9- European exploration of Africa
a) The Portuguese in West and East Africa
b) The gold and slave trade
c) Other European nations: the British, the French, the Dutch
d) The end result of the slave trade
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READING ASSIGNMENTS FOR TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
Aug. 28
Introduction to the course
Aug.30
Package AFST 101 # 030 “History of the African People” by Robert July
to be obtained at Queens Copy Center Inc. – 65-01 Kissena Blvd
“The Genesis of Homo Sapiens: Pages 9 to 26
Sept. 4th
Jackson, Introduction & Chapter one “Africa and the Origin of Man”
Pages 3 to 58
Sept. 6th
Package AFST 101 #030 Time Magazine “Everyone’s Genealogical
Mother”, “Tassili” “The Nile’s Other Kingdom” “Ancient Alphabet “
“African Symbols”
Sept. 11th
Documentary film “The Human Family Tree” narrated by
Geneticist Dr. Spencer Wells
Sept. 13th
Documentary film “The Human Family Tree” narrated by
Geneticist Dr. Spencer Wells
Sept. 18th
NO CLASSES
Sept. 20th
Jackson, Chapter 2 – “Ethiopia and the origin of Civilization”
Pages 60 to 92
Jackson, Chapter 3- “Egypt and the Evolution of Civilization”
Pages 93 to 156
Sept. 25th
NO CLASSES
Sept. 27th
Documentary film “Different but Equal” narrated by Basil Davidson
Oct. 2nd
Van Sertima, “The Lost Sciences of Africa “An Overview” Pages 7 to 26
Van Sertima, “An Ancient Harvest of the Nile” Pages 58 to 64
Lecture on Ancient Egypt contributions
Oct. 4th
Van Sertima, “The Pyramids: Ancient showcase” Pages 67 to 82
Van Sertima, “Ancient Experimental Aeronautics” Pages 92 to 99
Oct. 9th
Van Sertima, “Africa in the Mainstream of Mathematics” Pages 100 to
107
Van Sertima, “Black Contributions to the Early History of Western
Medicine” Pages 127 to 155
Oct.11th
Documentary film: Mastering a Continent” narrated by Basil Davidson
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Oct. 16th
Oct.18th
Van Sertima, “The African Background of Medical Sciences”
Pages 140 to 155
Van Sertima “An Outline of Africa’s role in the History of Physics”
Pages 177 to 194
Oct.23rd
Jackson, Chapter 4 “Africa and the Civilizing of Europe: The Empire of
The Moor”
Pages 157 to 195
FIRST EXAMINATION
Oct. 25th
Jackson, Chapter 5 “The Golden Age of West Africa”
Pages 196 to 231
Oct. 27th
Documentary film “Caravans of Gold” narrated by Basil Davidson
Oct. 30th
Lecture on the Empires of Ghana, Mali
Van Sertima, “The Ancient Akan Script” Pages 197 to 207
Van Sertima, “The Ancient Script” Pages 208 to 214
Nov. 1st
Lecture on the Empires of Songhai and Bornu
Nov. 6th
Van Sertima, “The Yoruba Number System: pages 110 to 126
Lecture on the Yoruba, the Ashanti and the Oyo kingdoms
Nov. 8th
Documentary film “Kings and Cities” narrated by Basil Davidson
SECOND EXAMINATION
Nov. 13th
Jackson, Chapter 6 “Africa and the Discovery of America”
Pages 232 to 263
Jackson, Chapter 7 “Mariners and Merchants of the Eastern Coast”
Pages 264 to 282
Jackson, Chapter 8 “Zimbabwe, Monomotapa and Other Kingdoms”
Pages 283 to 295
Nov. 15th
Lecture on East African tribes; The Massai, Kikuyu, Bantu
Great Zimbabwe – Mashonaland Civilization
Nov. 20th
Lecture on the Swazi tribe
Nov. 22nd
NO CLASSES -THANKSGIVING
Nov. 27th
Continued lecture on the Swazi tribe
Nov. 29th
Lecture on the Bushmen of the Kalahari
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Dec. 4th
Continued lecture on the Bushmen of the Kalahari
Dec. 6th
Jackson, Chapter 9 “The Destruction of African Culture”
Pages 296 to 316
Lecture on European Exploration, the Portuguese – The Slave Trade
Dec. 11th
Documentary film “Africa History Denied” narrated by
Sam Waterston
LAST DAY OF CLASSES
DATE AND HOURS OF THE FINAL EXAMINATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED
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READING ASSIGNMENTS for Fridays
Aug. 28
Introduction to course
Package AFST 101 “History of the African People” by Robert July
To be obtained at Queens Copy Center Inc. -65-01 Kissena Blvd
The Genesis of Homo Sapiens” Pages 9 to 26
Sept. 4
No classes – Labor Day weekend
Sept. 11
Jackson, Introduction Chapter one “Africa and the Origin of Man”
Page 3 to 58
Package AFST 101 – Time Magazine “Everyone’s Genealogical Mother’
“Tassili” The Nile’s Other Kingdom” Ancient Alphabet”
“African Symbols”
Jackson, Chapter 2 “Ethiopia and the Origin of Civilization”
Van Sertima, “The Lost Sciences of Africa An Overview” Pages 7 to 26
Van Sertima, “An Ancient Harvest of the Nile” Pages 58 to 64
Sept. 18
No classes – Rosh Hashanah
Sept. 25
Jackson, Chapter 3 “Egypt and the Evolution of Civilization”
Van Sertima, “The Pyramids: Ancient showcase” Pages 67 to 82
Van Sertima, “Ancient Experimental Aeronautics” Pages 92 to 99
Van Sertima, “Africa in the Mainstream of Mathematics”
Pages 100 to 107
Oct. 2
Documentary film “Different but Equal” narrated by Basil Davidson
Van Sertima, “Black Contributions to the Early History of Western
Western Medicine” Pages 125 to 155
Oct. 9
Van Sertima, “The African Background of Medical Sciences”
Pages 141 to 155
Van Sertima, “An Outline of Africa’s role in the History of Physics”
Pages 177 to 194
Jackson, Chapter 4 “Africa and the Civilizing of Europe: The Empire of
The Moors”
Oct 16
Documentary film “Mastering a Continent” narrated by Basil Davidson
FIRST EXAMINATION
Oct. 23
Jackson, Chapter 5 “The Golden Age of West Africa”
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Documentary film “Caravans of Gold” narrated by Basil Davidson
Lecture on the Empires of Ghana, Mali
Van Sertima, “The Ancient Akan Script” Pages 208 to 214
Oct. 30
Lecture on the Empires of Songhai and Bornu
Nov. 6
Van Sertima “The Yoruba Number System” Pages 110 to 126
Lecture on the Yoruba, the Ashanti and the Oyo kingdoms
Documentary film “Kings and Cities” narrated by Basil Davidson
Nov. 13
Jackson, Chapter 6, “Mariners and Merchants of the Eastern Coast”
Jackson, Chapter 8 “Zimbabwe, Monomotapa and Other Kingdoms”
Lecture on East African tribes: The Massai, Kikuyu, and Bantu
Nov. 20
Lecture on Great Zimbabwe – Mashonaland Civilization
SECOND EXAMINATION
Nov. 27
No classes – Thanksgiving Day
Dec. 4
Lecture on the Swazi tribe and the Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert
Dec. 11
Jackson, Chapter 6, “Africa and the Discovery of America”
Lecture on European Exploration, the Portuguese – The Slave Trade
Dec. 18
Jackson, Chapter 9 “The Destruction of African Culture”
Documentary film “Africa History Denied” narrated by Sam Waterston
Last Day of Classes
DATE AND HOURS OF THE FINAL EXAMINATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED
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