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Module Catalogue

HI177-30 A History of Africa from 1800

Department
History
Level
Undergraduate Level 1
Module leader
Tom Lowman
Credit value
30
Module duration
22 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

This module offers an introduction to the modern social and political history of sub-Saharan Africa. The course spans the nineteenth-century precolonial period, colonial rule, and the postcolonial period. We begin by discussing the idea of ‘Africa’, before examining political authority in the nineteenth century; African trade and commerce after the ending of the slave trade; the establishment of colonial rule and the effects of colonialism on African societies; the growth of anti-colonialism and African nationalisms; decolonisation and the formation of postcolonial states; democratisation and ‘development’ in Africa.

Module web page

Module aims

This 30 CATS first-year option module is an introduction to the modern social and political history of sub-Saharan Africa. The course takes a chronological approach, covering three broad periods: the nineteenth-century precolonial, colonial, and postcolonial eras. Starting with a discussion of the idea of ‘Africa’, students will familiarise themselves with the changing nature of African trade and commerce after the ending of the slave trade; with the character and development of political authority in the nineteenth century; with the establishment of colonial rule through treaty and conquest; with the effects of colonialism on colonised African societies; with the growth of anti-colonial sentiments and the emergence of nationalisms; and with the impact of decolonisation and the formation of postcolonial states. The final lectures and seminars will explore the nature of postcolonial African states, and include discussion of issues such as the Rwandan genocide and ‘development’ in Africa.

Weekly lectures will provide a chronological framework. Seminars elaborate the themes from the lectures, but concentrate on regional case studies and debates within the historiography.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Term 1

  1. Chronology and Themes
  2. Slavery and Slaving in Africa
  3. State, Society and Trade in C19th East Africa
  4. Jihad in the West African Savannah
  5. Social and Political Change in C19th Southern Africa
  6. Reading Week
  7. From Slavery to ‘Legitimate Commerce’ in West Africa
  8. The ‘Scramble’ for Africa
  9. The Colonial State and Ethnicity
  10. Colonialism and the ‘Civilising Mission’

Term 2
11. Peasants or Proletarians? 1890s-1940s
12. The New Colonialism, 1945-1960
13. The Rise of African Nationalism, 1940s-1960s
14. South Africa, 1890-1960
15. Politics and Parties after Independence, 1957-1975
16. Reading Week
17. Soldiers and the State, 1960-1980
18. The ANC and the End of Apartheid, 1960-1994
19. From Debt to Democratization, 1980-2000
20. Film Screening and Discussion

Term 3
21. Rwanda and the Great Congo War, 1994-2004
22. Africa Since 1994

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Gain a broad understanding of key themes within African history and Africa’s position within global historical trends.
  • Identify interdisciplinary approaches to and historiographical debates on the period since 1800, with particular emphasis on anthropology and political science.
  • Identify and engage with a range of relevant primary materials, including online resources, particularly exploring questions related to the use of oral history and oral tradition.
  • Gain interpersonal and communication skills through the delivery of a presentation.
  • Devise well-defined essay topics, collect relevant data from a variety of sources and present results in an effective fashion.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Subject specific skills

See learning outcomes.

Transferable skills

See learning outcomes.

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 20 sessions of 1 hour (7%)
Seminars 20 sessions of 1 hour (7%)
Tutorials 2 sessions of 1 hour (1%)
Private study 258 hours (86%)
Total 300 hours

Private study description

History modules require students to undertake extensive independent research and reading to prepare for seminars and assessments. As a rough guide, students will be expected to read and prepare to comment on three substantial texts (articles or book chapters) for each seminar taking approximately 3 hours. Each assessment requires independent research, reading around 6-10 texts and writing and presenting the outcomes of this preparation in an essay, review, presentation or other related task.

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A2
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
1000 word oral presentation 20% No
Reassessment component
1000 word essay Yes (extension)
Assessment component
2000 word essay 30% Yes (extension)
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
3000 word essay 50% Yes (extension)
Reassessment component is the same
Feedback on assessment

Written comments and oral feedback will be provided for non-assessed assignments.

Courses

This module is Core optional for:

  • Year 1 of UHIA-V1V5 Undergraduate History and Philosophy
  • Year 1 of UHIA-VM11 Undergraduate History and Politics

This module is Optional for:

  • Year 1 of UENA-VQ32 Undergraduate English and History
  • Year 1 of UHIA-V100 Undergraduate History
  • Year 1 of UHIA-VM11 Undergraduate History and Politics
  • Year 1 of UHIA-VL13 Undergraduate History and Sociology

This module is Option list G for:

  • Year 1 of UPHA-V7ML Undergraduate Philosophy, Politics and Economics