📅Weekly Schedule and Objectives: Africa

Topic: Africa

Weekly Schedule
Due Date	Activity
Nov 10	Read and examine this week's module Textbook: Chapter 13 Watch: All Videos
Nov 10	Discussion: African and Islam
Nov 10	Homework: Africa
Nov 10	Review Quiz

Image: Chieftain and Warriors of Benin

Summary:

Africa is correctly recognized as the cradle of our human origins. But most people outside the continent assume that there is little diversity in the cultural structures of Africa. However, Africa has always enjoyed a rich geographic and cultural variety. The societies in the north are as separate from those in the south as if they lived in entirely different continents. Though most of Africa's early history was passed on through oral traditions, their long memory and cultural values have preserved much of their story. Archaeology, linguistics, and anthropology continually add to our understanding of African roots.

It is equally important to examine the size and scope of Africa in order to appreciate the experiences of each region. Much of Africa has had contact with the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean trade networks for thousands of years, and the local cultures reflect this eclectic mix of native and outside traditions. If we wish to understand who we are as humans, we must first know where we came from and value the fascinating history of Africa.

Islam in Africa

Early African societies were as varied as the continent's geography and climate. Despite this diversity, commonalities, especially those spread by the Bantu migrations, connected many African regions. As the Bantu migrations came to an end, Islamic connections spread. Africans adapted their cultures and societies to local topographical and climate conditions. African political life revolved around families, clans, and kingdoms. Most African societies were polytheistic and African religion was closely tied to artistic and cultural expression.

Prior to the arrival of Islam, North Africa remained on the margins of Mediterranean civilization. But when Africa became part of Islamic civilization early in the eighth century, its orientation changed completely. Islam connected North Africa to Southwest Asia. The advent of Umayyad Spain brought into being a vibrant, cosmopolitan cultural synthesis. In Egypt, the Fatimids introduced Shi'ite Islam and contributed to the creation of Egypt's unique Islamic culture.

Saharan trade accelerated once camels were introduced from Central Asia. Trade was transformed once again by the Islamic conquest of North Africa. Once this happened, Saharan trade became part of a huge commercial and cultural network extending from Persia to Spain. The effects on West Africa were profound. First, it introduced Islam into the region. Second, it made African gold available to a broad market. Third, it stimulated the growth of the slave trade. Finally, it urbanized West Africa and transformed clusters of villages into kingdoms.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this week's module, students will be able to:

Examine the major historical events in Africa to 1500 CE
Analyze the history and cultures of the diverse societies in Africa