HIST 2542

HIST 2542

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2022-2023.

Most people learn about Africa through the media.  However, media critics note that coverage is disproportionately skewed toward negative stories - poverty, war and corruption. While these factors are a reality for too many people on the continent, media observers note that too often the coverage lacks context and breadth.  Furthermore, media outlets do not report positive developments even where they exist.  This course will provide some of the depth and context necessary to understand events in contemporary Africa.  The first two-thirds of the course will examine African social and economic history since the nineteenth century - Africa's integration in the international economy, the rise of new social classes, the creation of the colonial state and the post-colonial state.  Our primary examples will be drawn from  East, West and Southern Africa to highlight both the similarities and differences of their historical development.  The final third of the course will examine several contemporary issues in which scholars and journalists have attempted to address the weaknesses in general press coverage. 

When Offered Fall.

Breadth Requirement (GB)
Distribution Category (GLC-AS, HA-AS, HST-AS)
Course Subfield (HGS)

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Syllabi: none
  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: ASRC 2542SHUM 2542

  • 4 Credits Stdnt Opt

  • 17354 HIST 2542   LEC 001

    • TR McGraw Hall 145
    • Aug 22 - Dec 5, 2022
    • Byfield, J

  • Instruction Mode: In Person