HIST 114(S) Slavery in Africa (W)*

This course explores contentious debates in African history, about the nature of slavery in Africa. What do we understand by 'African slavery'? Was slavery indigenous to Africa, or did foreigners impose it on the continent? Was slavery in Africa so different from slavery in the Americas that we need to refer to it by a different name? Was slavery in Africa the same for women and for men? Can we speak of 'African slavery' at all, or were there different kinds of slavery in different regions? How did slavery change over time? Does slavery exist in Africa today? We will explore these, and other, questions via analysis of both secondary resources-what historians have argued-and primary resources, sources generated in the contexts of slavery. Through such discussions, we will come to a better understanding of slavery, African history, and the craft of history itself.
Format: discussion. Evaluation will be based on pop quizzes, class participation, a series of critical discussion pieces, and two essays. No prerequisites. Enrollment limit:19 (expected: 12-15). Open to all.
Group C

Hour: VAN DER SPUY