The course studies the beginnings of American society from the seventeenth century up to the fourth decade of the nineteenth century. It will provide an insight into the establishment of the thirteen British colonies in America. It examines the circumstances that led to the American War of independence as well as the efforts at building the first institutions of government for the nation. Particular attention is also given to the role of the African in these developments.

This course provides insights into the processes involved in the formation of the early major politics in the savannah (Ghana, Mali, Songhai) of West Africa. It enables students to understand the political, economic and social institutions created in these politics before the coming of European to Africa during the modern era. The course also exposes students to the consequences of European exploration of the West Africa coast. This course enables students to acquire adequate knowledge about the modes of polity formation and organization and the role of great personalities and external influences in these political processes. It further enables students to clearly conceptualize the phenomenon of decline and fall in the early state formation processes in West Africa.

The course explores advances made in civilization in various regions of the world during the medieval period. Through the comparative approach, it provides students with the opportunity to compare the level of cultural, economic, social and political advancement in Africa and elsewhere during this period. Studies in the course focus on civilizations in sub Saharan Africa, India, China, Japan, the Mediterranean region, Russia, and the Americas. The course exposes students to an understanding of processes involved in the spread of Islam and Christianity, the first agricultural revolution, urbanization and the consolidation of papal authority. It enables students to analyze the features and bequests of these civilizations, particularly African technological advancement and legacy to the world.

The course examines the nineteenth century history of the states and people that later came to constitute modern Ghana. It briefly discusses the state of modern Ghana of 1800 and analyze the expansion of the Asante Empire and the growth of authority at the beginning of the nineteenth century. It examines Asante’s relation with the southern states and the Europeans on the coast. The course further discusses the relations between the people and states of Ghana, on one hand, and between the people and the British, on the other hand, up to 1800. Finally, it examines the imposition of colonial rule on the states and people of Ghana and how the people responded to it.