ARCH 214:Early Civilizations of Africa

The course will examine the environmental, social and cultural dynamics that led to urbanism and other aspects of cultural transformation in Africa before the advent of European colonialism. Topics include concepts of civilization, civilization of Africa, including those of the Nile Valley, the Horn of Africa, the Western Sudan, Zimbabwe, the Inland Niger Delta and the West African Rainforest. The role of the peripheries in the development of these centres will be looked at.