Here is the announcement for my newest college course on Africa. Also listed is the course outline a class I am currently teaching; “Africa:The Sleeping Giant.” I will be preparing a third course on “The Effects of British Colonialism on Africa” in the near future. These courses are 15 hours long, taught over 7-10 weeks in Maryland.
“Eight Nations Vital to the Development of Sub-Sahara Africa”
By Lawrence Freeman
The African continent encompasses 54 nations and is more than three times the size of the United States. The northern portion of the continent is dominated by the Sahara Desert, equal in area to that of United States. It is the driest, hottest place on earth, relatively barren, and thinly populated. The African nations below this vast desert are designated as “Sub-Saharan Africa” where approximately one billion live, and is expected to double in population by 2050.
All but two of the 48 nations of Sub-Sahara Africa suffered the brutalities of colonialism following centuries of slavery. As a result, Sub-Sahara Africa is the poorest and most underdeveloped region in the world. Unfortunately, following their liberation from colonialism beginning in 1956, these nations did not achieve economic sovereignty. However, now, for the first time since colonial powers occupied Africa, there are signs of progress with the building of new railroads, expanded ports, roads, and new hydro-electric power projects. This has created the potential to transform the continent.
This course will focus on eight Sub-Saharan nations; each unique in their history, development, and their contribution to the growth of Africa. Their combined population of 550 million comprise almost 30% of the land area of Africa.
Join us in examining the following nations from their birth to the present day: Ghana, Nigeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Over three decades, I have studied the history and developed an in-depth knowledge of Africa as a researcher, analyst, writer, and consultant. Sadly, most Americans know little about Africa, due to a limited number educational courses, and a reliance on the media. I hope to increase your understanding by sharing my accumulated knowledge with you.
“Africa The Sleeping Giant” Course Outline:
1-Discovering the Africa Continent
2-Africa: Home to Mankind
3-Man Is Not a Monkey
4-The Great Bantu Migration
5-Early Civilizations
6-Europe Discovers Africa
7-Slavery Rips the Soul of the Continent
8-Colonialism, Exploitation, and Genocide
9-Economic Sovereignty and the Nation State
10-Africa’s Future is Development