RHI-51806 Rural History of Developing Societies

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch or English

Contents:

The students will be offered a general survey of the social-economic and political-cultural history of sub-Sahara Africa. The historical continuity and regional diversity of this part of the world will get special attention. We will concentrate on the following themes:
- rise, development and diversity in agrarian societies in Africa;
- rise of trade networks and states before 1500;
- the influence of the Islam;
- the influence of transatlantic trade networks;
- the colonial experience and organisation of the colonial economies;
- the process of decolonisation and the colonial legacy.

Aims:

- knowledge and understanding of long term developments in Africa;
- knowledge and understanding of historical continuities and discontinuities;
- knowledge and understanding of the diversity in development paths;
- knowledge of African cultural values;
- knowledge and understanding of the role of foreign influences in shaping African historical experience.

Activities:

Lectures, study, movies. It is expected that the student will prepare the relevant literature for the lectures.

Examination:

There will be a written exam based on the lectures and the obligatory literature.

Literature:

John Reader, Africa. A biography of the continent (London 1999).
A course outline will be distributed at the first lecture, and can be found on the internet site of the Rural History.