HIST 231A - Islam in Africa: History, Religion, Culture, and Politics

(3 units) CO10, CO11

Examination of several themes including the effect of Islam on African societies and the way in which it (Islam) was shaped by African cultures; political Islam in contemporary Africa.

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Fall - Odd Years

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. analyze and understand the factors that led to the rapid introduction of Islam in Africa, as well as its development in contemporary Africa.
2. analyze and discuss the effect of Islam on African societies and the way in which it (Islam) was shaped by African cultures.
3. analyze and discuss African Muslim’s responses to European colonialism and political Islam in contemporary Africa.
4. critically examine cultural sources and make well-supported claims about Islamic education and literacy, women and gender in Muslim Africa, as well as the Swahili culture of the East African coast.
5. critically examine cultural sources and discuss groups such as Boko-Haram in Nigeria, as well as the Arab Spring and the use of social media (Facebook and Twitter) during the uprisings in northern Africa.
6. write a short essay whose thesis is supported by evidence from an assigned reading.

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