![History of African Civilizations – [AFN 121 / HIST 121]](https://afn122.commons.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/blogs.dir/16022/files/2021/07/cropped-cropped-cropped-African-Arts-event-AV-3.jpg)
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WEEK Week 1 |
Africa before 1500 / African Origin of HumanityWatch: Different But Equal – Basil Davidson pt.1 AFRICA Episode 1 Different but Equal Written & Presented by Basil Davidson Executive Producer-You Tube
Welcome students to the Spring 2021 AFN 121 course. My name is Prof. Remi Alapo and it is a pleasure to have you in my course. . I am also a faculty at the Social Sciences an Ethnic Studies Department at BMCC. I also teach History and Cultural Diversity courses at York College. Previously, I taught at the Sociology Department at Bronx Community College. Originally from Nigeria, West Africa. Very close to ILE IFE. One of Africa’s ancient civilizations: ile ife.jpeg (see more: https://afropolitain.com/index.php/2020/08/24/ile-ife-tribe-one-of-ancient-african-civilizations-founded-in-500-b-c/) |
Introduction/ Geographic Review-Google Maps via Zoom |
Read: The History of Africa: The Quest for Eternal Harmony Chapter 1 – African Origin of Humanity. |
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WEEK 2
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Week 2: African Origin of HumanityWatch: Different But Equal – BasilDavidson pt.2 AFRICA Episode 1 Different but Equal Written & Presented by Basil Davidson Executive Producer-You Tube |
Zoom Meeting Discussion Topic: Africa |
Read: The History of Africa: The Quest for Eternal Harmony Chapter 1 – African Origin of Humanity. |
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WEEK 3 |
Africa and the Beginning of CivilizationWatch: Dr. Ben in Kemet Pt.1Resource on Ancient African Civilization: https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/africa/africasbook.asp
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Zoom Meeting Discussion Topic: What is Civilization |
Read: The History of Africa: The Quest for Eternal Harmony Chapter 2 – Africa and the Beginning of Civilization. |
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WEEK 4 [2/15 – 2/21]
[No classes 2/12 & 2/15] |
The Rise of Kemet/EgyptWatch: Dr. Ben in Kemet Pt.2You Tube (Rasjj)
AFRICAN HISTORY LINK: The African History | The African History |
Zoom Meeting Discussion
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Kemet:
Internet History Sourcebooks Project (fordham.edu) Language / Symbols Map egypt and nubia.jpg (see more on Egypt and Nubia in week 6) Blog on ancient Egypt / Kemet civilization: A General Introduction To Ancient Egyptian Civilization | The World History Archive and Compendium (wordpress.com) Here’s some links to the books from today that you requested:
Thanks so much for encouraging us to explore for ourselves in this class!
Best,
Sophie Ledden
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WEEK 5
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Kemet Civilization (Egypt)Watch: Guest Speaker: Dr Chenzira AFN 121 guest speaker on 2-23-21.pdf Topic: The focus on Tuesday, February 23rd.2021 is proposed to be on select research, work and relevant programs developed and implemented by the Honorable Maakheru (ancestor) Dr. Yosef ben Jochannan. I will include a historiography of his life, his work and short videos captured during his respective tours East Africa in KMT, Nubia and Kush (Egypt, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan). This presentation will be developed in alignment with the themes you have provided in your course syllabus / description for AFN 121.
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Zoom Meeting Kemet: writing / symbols |
Website: TBD Guest Speaker
Dr. Chenzira Davis Kahina | Director
V.I. Caribbean Cultural Center
CLASS Teaching Faculty
University of the Virgin Islands
REMINDER
Assignment DUE WEEK 6
Select an African civilization and write a 3 – 4 pages summary of its origins and importance based on the course learning resources from weeks 1 – 6. You are not limited to week 1 – 6 content only. You are free to research on any ancient African civilization, kingdom or empire. Write: Create Essay Assignment using instructions posted in Blackboard. |
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WEEK 6 |
The Elements of Early African Civilization – Nubia / EgyptWrite: Create Essay Assignment using instructions posted in Blackboard Watch: Dr. Ben in Kemet Pt.4 GUEST SPEAKER: TUESDAY MARCH 2ND FROM 12N TO 2PM – PROF. VICTORIA YEMI ALAPO, METRO COMMUNITY COLLEGE, IN OMAHA, NE. SPEAKER VIEW: AFN 121 [27020] – Spring 2021 – Zoom GALLERY VIEW: AFN 121 [27020] – Spring 2021 – Zoom AUDIO ONLY : AFN 121 [27020] – Spring 2021 – Zoom CHAT BOX: RESOURCES: MENTION OF KUSH / ETHIOPIA / AFRICAN CIVILIZATION IN THE BIBLE (OLD TESTAMENT) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%208%3A26-40&version=NIV https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%2010&version=NIV https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2012&version=NIV https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%2014&version=NIV https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Chronicles+14&version=NKJV02:07:39 FLYER – Guest speaker Prof Victoria Alapo AFN 121 on 3 – 2 – 21.pdf ZOOM LECTURE RECORDING FOR FEBRUARY AFN 121 February 2021 Zoom lecture recordings.docx DISCUSSION QUESTION Provide a summary of your 3 – 4 page essay due at the end of week 6. Why did you select this particular ancient African Civilization? Why is this civilization important? Include a summary from the content of Prof. Victoria Alapo’s presentation on “Pre colonial African Civilizations”. Each person will give a 2 – 3 minutes summary in class in week 7. ESSAY Post on BB assignment under Essay due on 3/7. MLA OR APA REFERENCES OK. Select an African civilization and write a 3 – 4 pages summary of its origins and importance based on the course learning resources from weeks 1 – 6. You are not limited to week 1 – 6 content only. You are free to research on any ancient African civilization, kingdom or empire.
INCLUDE IN YOUR ESSAY THE FOLLOWING Title page Introduction about the civilization Why was this civilization important? Discuss the previous location / region / what countries today are occupied in this ancient African civilization What was unique about this civilization that intrigued you wanting to write / learn / research about it? Anything of significance that you would like us to know about your essay? Reference page |
Zoom Meeting Discussion Topic: pre colonial African civilizations presentation by Prof. Yemi Alapo |
Read: Chapter 4: The History of Africa: The Quest for Eternal Harmony. The Elements of Early African Civilization. Guest speaker: Prof. Victoria Alapo
TOPIC: Pre Colonial African Civilizations
BIO
Prof. Alapo will be discussing the “Wonderful Legacies of Pre-Colonial Africa”, which will highlight some of the sometimes overlooked achievements and advanced ways of life that existed in Pre-Colonial Africa, before the continent was colonized by Europeans.
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WEEK 7 |
The Elements of Early African Civilization / African Societies
Watch: Dr. Ben in Kemet Pt.5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uIyXOE1TuI |
Zoom Meeting Discussion Topic: African Societies |
Read: Chapter 4 The History of Africa: The Quest for Eternal Harmony. The Elements of Early African Civilization. |
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WEEK 8 |
Ancient African Governance Kush / Nubia: Ancient African Governance
This week, we will be looking at the Ancient Civilization of Kush and Nubia and the kingdoms and civilizations along the Nile and their governance / political systems in preparation for Dr. Chenziras presentation the following week. Watch
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Zoom Meeting Discussion Topic: Ancient African Governance |
Read: Chapter 5 The History of Africa: The Quest for Eternal Harmony. Governance and the Political Stability of Kemet, Kush, Nubia (Egypt, Sudan). Ancient Egypt – https://aboutancient.weebly.com/nubian-kingdoms.html Kingdom of Kush: https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Kingdom_of_Kush
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WEEK 9 |
The Emergence of Great River KingdomsWatch: Search e-library at BMCC “Kanopy” – Africa’s Great Civilizations. Episode 4: Cities. Henry Louis Gates. DISCUSSION BOARD
The focus on Tuesday, March 23rd.2021 is proposed to be on select research, work, programs and publications of Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. that highlight Ancient Afrakan Civilization of Hapi (Nile) Valley culture, heritage, and history with an appreciative inquiry framework for your students to strengthen their respect and understanding of the significant role of Afrakan civilization to humanity. WatchLECTURE We will have Dr. Chenzira as a Guest Speaker again in week 9. Please arrive on time, leave your cameras on and prepare to engage in discussion / Q & A.
Dr. Chenzira Davis Kahina | Director
V.I. Caribbean Cultural Center
CLASS Teaching Faculty
University of the Virgin Islands
Zoom lecture link: https://bmcc-cuny.zoom.us/rec/share/wssqo2cVSofQZ3gAb0k3p9X9FK5O1-QpsLAlZiIWscko8H3qz1Vl2qt-DOoWwe5f.t4IPNk63O2-uLdOs?startTime=1616515226000 Audio: https://bmcc-cuny.zoom.us/rec/play/3HcZKJHP_O_ykfRC3AW2WD5xLGa2UhW4NH4LJ1OsIgp5cTFmNUUXMovwKKtO1T2lWNq1cxcRsf0q0hZA.78_KgDyHef8XiMaW Images from Dr. Chenzira Write: Create Midterm Essay Assignment using instructions posted in Blackboard. Midterm Essay Assignment Due by 11:30 P.M after the spring break. Select the same civilization from week 5 and expand on your research in a 4 – 6 pages essay to include: governance, politics, arts, development, commerce etc. Why were they important in these civilizations? YES, you are welcome to change the previous civilization and swap it for another before you continue with this assignment if you wish. Make sure to check the folders for suggestions to include such as government, economic, trade, commerce, architecture, agriculture, food, arts, religion, culture, and writings. |
Zoom Meeting Discussion Topic: River Kingdoms Write: Create Midterm Essay Assignment using instructions posted in Blackboard
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Read: Chapter 6 The History of Africa: The Quest for Eternal Harmony. The Emergence of Great River Kingdoms |
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WEEK 10 |
Week 10: River Kingdoms Watch: 1] BMCC Kanopy – Africa’s Great Civilizations. Episode 4: Cities. 2]
Welcome back from spring break! Zoom lecture link for Tuesday April 6th: https://bmcc-cuny.zoom.us/rec/share/UiDWuuoR7ui-cjjd6ZtmpHdsJa3aHXd2nMB6Bbxfy-Oh_UCmz3jveq1SSCgNkQU.3Ug0211NCIwziD57 |
Zoom Meeting Discussion Topic: River Kingdoms |
Read: Chapter 6 The History of Africa: The Quest for Eternal Harmony. The Emergence of Great River Kingdoms. Axum: Ethopia |
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WEEK 11 |
The Spread of Classical Empires and KingdomsKingdoms in pre colonial Africa: Kingdoms in precolonial Africa – Watch: BMCC Kanopy – Africa’s Great Civilizations. Episode 2: The Cross and the Crescent. Henry Louis Gates North Africa History of North Africa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_North_Africa North African History: https://www.cs.mcgill.ca/~rwest/wikispeedia/wpcd/wp/n/North_Africa.htm Watch: Imazhi / Berbers: Top 10 kings in North Africa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLEwE9byKRE History of North Africa [episode 9]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcF-e6RhLzU History of African by Zeinab Badawi [North Africa” Episode 7]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCKPyAHgX7U Zoom lecture link: Planning ahead:We will be shifting focus from Nile River Kingdoms to other kingdoms and empires in Africa. Sometimes we may examine more than one location. I will be posting info in each weeks folder to view ahead of class. Course materials will be self paced study from now on and we will meet in class for discussion, video or activity. The rest of the plan for the semester is below so that we can get a chance to visit different parts of Africa before the semester is over. Week 11 – Northern Africa Week 12 – Western Africa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_West_Africa Week 13 – East Africa / Central Africa Week 14 – Southern Africa Week 15 – Final Exam Review and Artifact presentation from any African Kingdom / empire / civilization Week 16 – Final Exam Essay and ppt presentation |
Zoom Meeting Discussion Topic: Empires
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Read: Chapter 7 The History of Africa: The Quest for Eternal Harmony. The Spread of Classical Empires and Kingdoms. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_kingdoms_in_pre-colonial_Africa |
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WEEK 12 |
The Sudanic Empires: Historians and their NarrativesWatch: BMCC Kanopy – Africa’s Great Civilizations. Episode 3: Empires of Gold Sudanic States – One area impacted by the increase in interaction throughout the period was western Africa. The empires of Ghana and Mali profited from Trans-Sahara trade, and leaders adapted Islam from merchants. These empires gained their wealth by controlling and taxing all trade across the Sahara, especially the trade of gold. Swahili Coast (Around 900 – 1500) – The Swahili city-states were trade centers in eastern Africa. Their growth was due largely to the increase in trade along the Indian Ocean Basin. Bantu settlers on the coast and Arab merchants who traded along the east African coast interacted to create city-states such as Mogadishu, Sofala, and Kilwa. Swahili is a language that blends Bantu and Arabic. Merchants traded gold, slaves and ivory for pottery, glassware, and textiles from Persia, India and China. City-states were governed by kings, who controlled the trade, as well as the taxes. Wealthy merchants often converted to Islam, but did not give up their own religions or traditions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEOcK0dGa7o |
Discussion Board Submission
Zoom Meeting Topic: The Western Sudan
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Read: Chapter 8 The History of Africa: The Quest for Eternal Harmony. The Sudanic Empires: Historians and their Narratives. WEEK 12 PRESENTATION BY PROF. ALAPO Here is the presentation on W. Africa: Yoruba Culture and Traditions that I made in class 2 weeks ago ALAPO – Yoruba Culture and Traditional Religion – oyotunji 4 – 20 – 21 v2.pdf
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| WEEK 13 |
Western SudanWatch: Caravans of Gold – Basil Davidson. You Tube.
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Zoom Meeting Discussion Topic: Western Sudan |
Read: Chapter 8 The History of Africa: The Quest for Eternal Harmony. The Sudanic Empires: Historians and their Narratives.
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Guest speaker on African Traditional Arts and Science TBD Week 14 or 15 (TBA).
| WEEK 15 |
Arts and ScienceWatch: This week, we will be traveling to SOUTHERN AFRICA. Pack your bags and get ready to travel and explore this region. (109) Southern Kingdoms – History Of Africa with Zeinab Badawi [Episode 13] – YouTube (109) Great Zimbabwe & The First Cities of Southern Africa // History Documentary – YouTube (109) Why The Kingdom Of Mapungubwe Was So Powerful | Secrets Of A Sacred Hill |Timeline – YouTube As time permits, we may journey through Central Africa next week on our to find and present artifacts for the last week of class.
Discuss: Final exam review |
Zoom Meeting Discussion Topic: African Arts and Science |
Read: Chapter 10 The History of Africa: The Quest for Eternal Harmony. Farmers and Metallurgists.
Read: Assigned Websites posted in Blackboard: Course Materials.
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FINAL EXAM PREP
PPT PRESENTATION – 10 to 15 pages slide [each page of the paper should be turned into a slide] Create Final essay/presentation using instructions posted in Blackboard. Your final exam ppt will be based on the content of the 10 page research paper that you have been working on from the beginning of the semester. You will make a 10 minutes presentation for the final exam based on your ppt content [research paper info]. Be creative, add images, etc. RESEARCH PAPER Summary of the civilization that you have been working on [in a 3 – 5 pages ]. What did you discover or learn from visiting this specific African civilization? What did you learn now that you did not know before? This is also a good chance to polish up the other sections of your paper. You will write the conclusion to your paper that you started working on from the beginning of the semester. You will include both in text citation and a separate reference page. EXTRA CREDIT: ARTIFACT PRESENTATION Find an artifact from any region of Africa. This could be items you bought, collected during your travels in and out of the US, heritage, heirloom from family or from your own discoveries. You will make a 5 minute presentation during the last week of class in a 3 – 5 page ppt presentation. Be sure to include references and a title page. |
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