The course examines the emergence and growth of polities like Denkyira, Asante, Akyem, Akwamu, Oyo, Benin and Dahomey. The course also analyzes the impact of Europeans presence and the rise of the trans-Atlantic slave trade on these polities with particular reference to the processes of the state formation and inter-state relations. Furthermore, it examines the impact of the abolition of the trans- Atlantic slave trade, Christian missionary work, and increased European involvement on these polities and their local affairs.