Week 1. The African Continent

Africa is a large and diverse continent whose history tells us not only about African people but of the origins of humankind and human development from antiquity to the present day. Studying African history and politics gives us a deeper understanding of world history, particularly the development of classes and the world order as it is today.

Readings:

  • Marxism & African Liberation by Walter Rodney

  • Pan-Africanism and the Unfinished Tasks of Liberation and Social Emancipation by Issa Shivij

  • The Manden Charter, Kouroukan Fouga – Indigenous Constitution Of Ancient Mali 

Africa: The Continent, Peoples & Struggles

Join us for a two-part class, where we will study the early history of the African continent, exploring some of the major historical processes of human development and events that have influenced and continue to shape the African continent and the world.

  • Wed July 5, 6:30pm ET PT1

  • Thur July 6, 6:30pm ET PT2

Instructor: Mikaela Nhondo Erskog

Geography of Colonialism & the Transatlantic Slave Trade

In this class, we’ll explore the motives and methods behind the partitioning of Africa, which aimed to benefit Western powers, as well as analyze significant events, such as the 1884 Berlin conference and the transatlantic slave trade, and the lasting implications for the African continent and diaspora.

  • Fri July 7, 6:30pm ET

Instructor: Mikaela Nhondo Erskog