HIST 2180 Africa Since 1850
Fulfills the LAMA Requirement for the History Major This course provides an overview of the recent history of sub-Saharan Africa. It begins by examining colonization and the dynamics of colonialism, then traces the development of anti-colonialism and nationalism, and concludes by surveying the trajectories of post-colonial states and societies. Throughout the semester we will think about popular experiences in addition to institutional or elite narratives, ask questions about the changing position of Africa in the world, and contemplate the stakes of conceptualizing African history in the present. Materials will include a range of academic literature, fiction and non-fiction works by African intellectuals, and visual media.
Course overview
- Department
- History
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Periodically in the Spring
Requirements fulfilled
- History: Free history electives (two courses at the 2000 or 4000 level) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- History: LAMA electives in Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, or Africa (two courses at the 2000 or 4000 level) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- History: U.S. History elective (one course at the 2000 or 4000 level) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.05 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.36 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 2
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Priya Lal | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 1–3 hrs/week | 22 of 30 |
| Spring 2023 | Martha Lagace | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 1–3 hrs/week | 26 of 30 |
| Spring 2023 | Priya Lal | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 1–3 hrs/week | 26 of 30 |