Special Subject: Urban History in Africa

This course explores the emergence of cities in sub-Saharan Africa, and traces major themes in the history of urban Africa.  By examining urban Africans at work and leisure, by exploring their popular culture and politics and the conflicts that arise from the cities’ growth, we will attempt to answer a number of questions:  When and how did the city emerge in Africa?  What distinguishes African cities?  How have urban Africans responded to the dramatic historical changes and intense cultural interactions of African history (e.g. colonialism, industrialization, urbanization, globalization)?  We will address these questions through collective readings, films, discussion boards, blogs, journals, and individual research projects.  By incorporating scholarly monographs and articles, African life histories, primary sources, fiction and film, the class will explore the variety of perspectives on urban history in Africa.