IAS 211/History 270  begins with  a survey of Africa from the birth of humankind through the development of transcontinental trade networks laying the foundation for the Atlantic slave trade. We will then explore the colonization of the "New World"  with a specific emphasis on the institutionalization of slavery throughout the original 13 colonies and subsequent states of North America. Because the broad scope and depth of this course and because of the diversity of African and American peoples, we will inevitably leave a great deal unexplored. However, a primary aim of the course is to provide you with the knowledge and skills upon which to build long after the quarter has ended. History 270/IAS 211 will also give you an opportunity to improve your skills in critical inquiry.

Major themes include the Nile Valley civilization, iron working; migration and trade networks of African peoples; early African states; the rise of Islam; the arrival of Europeans; domestic slavery and the internal slave trade; and the beginnings of the international slave trade. We will also explore how historians draw on a variety of sources -- oral traditions, linguistic analyses, written texts, and archaeological evidence -- to study the recent and distant past of African Americans

We will approach early African American history in three ways. First, lectures will provide a narrative that will connect themes under consideration. Second, readings and films will contribute further information about themes, all of which will inculcate alternative interpretations. Finally, class discussions will give you the opportunity to digest and critique the content of lecture, film and reading materials and to express your own interpretations and opinions.