AAST 200 - Empires of Gold: Imperial Development in West Africa, 700 CE-1591CE

FC SSCI CD

4 credits
For over 1000 years West Africa was the primary source for European and Arab gold. Efforts to control the resource gave rise to a series of states that dominated the West African landscape for almost 900 years. This course examines the development of Empire in West Africa, during the medieval period. The students will chart the political, cultural and social shifts that accompany imperial growth and decline. They will consider what made African systems unique and highlight disjuncture between Sahelian states. They will also consider the benefits and limitations of using foreign sources to evaluate African history.

This course is appropriate for new students.