Course Objective #1

Develop a deeper understanding of the diversity and complexity of Africa's histories, cultures, and contemporary societies.

Course Objective #2

Explore key themes that shape African experiences, including resilience, identity, innovation, and historical memory.

Course Objective #3

Identify classroom resources and strategies for teaching about Africa in more accurate, inclusive, and engaging ways.

Course Logistics

Dates Summer 2027 Grade Levels Supported: Especially for educators of grades 6-12 Course Format: Online, asynchronous Professional Development Points (PDPs): 15 PDPs  Fee: $300 (contact us at [email protected] to enroll in the course using a Purchase Order)

Self-Guided Seminars

This course follows our "Self-Guided Seminars" model that combines the high quality learning experience of a Primary Source seminar with the flexibility of an asynchronous online course. Participants receive access to the course on the start date and can complete all activities at their own pace during the course window. Along the way, you'll receive periodic email reminders and guidance to help you stay on track, while maintaining the flexibility to learn on your own schedule.

Course Overview

6 Chapters · 30 Lessons

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Course Overview

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Course Guidelines

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Discussion Forum Guidelines

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Final PDP Assignment: Reflection Paper

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      Introduction Session Readings & Activities

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      Episode 1: What We Talk About When We Talk About Africa (30:28)

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Discussion Forum: Introduction Session

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Session One Readings & Activities

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Read: "Decolonization As Moment and Process" in Decolonization: A Short History

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Read: “South Africa’s Struggle Songs Against Apartheid Come from a Long Tradition of Resistance” by The Conversation

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Listen: WTNTK Episodes 3 & 4

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Session One Classroom Resources: Decolonization, Independence, and Music

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      Discussion Forum: Session One

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Session Two Readings & Activities

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      Read: "African Women Entrepreneurs" and "Understanding Afropolitanism"

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      Listen: WTNTK Episodes 5 & 7

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      Session Two Classroom Resources: Entrepreneurship and Afropolitanism

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      Discussion Forum: Session Two

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      Session Three Readings & Activities

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Read: "Dirty Hands" and "What Does It Mean to Decolonize a Museum?"

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      Listen: WTNTK Episodes 9 & 11

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Session Three Classroom Resources: Decolonizing African Ancient History

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Discussion Forum: Session Three

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Session Four Readings & Activities

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Read: "Rwanda and South Africa" and "Is Environmental Philanthropy Still a White Man's Game?"

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Listen: WTNTK Episodes 8 & 6

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Session Four Classroom Resources: Genocide, Climate Change, and Sustainability

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Discussion Forum: Session Four

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Post-Course Survey

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Final Reflection Submission

What our Educators are Saying

Join hundreds of educators across Greater Boston (and beyond!) who trust Primary Source for engaging, high quality professional development.

”
I have brought in so many resources, projects, and knowledge to the classroom because of these classes. My students have a richer, more intentional outlook on what we study.
 

 

The access to these courses is such an asset. Within my department, I have taught several different curricula, and Primary Source has been such a resource for me to help me feel more comfortable with historical context for texts that are new to me. 
 

 

Primary Source programs have introduced me to a variety of perspectives along with concrete strategies of how to incorporate them into my classroom. I leave every session with a lesson that I can immediately implement. 
 

 

About Primary Source

Primary Source educates global citizens by working with teachers to foster students’ knowledge, skills, and dispositions for thoughtful and engaged citizenship. With our guidance and resources, teachers cultivate students’ civic-mindedness, cultural awareness, and global competence, preparing them for our increasingly diverse and interconnected world. We collaborate with teachers, schools, and educational organizations to offer professional development programs and resources that help make global, civics, and cultural education an integral part of every student’s classroom experience. Our engaging face-to-face and online programs, curriculum resources, and international study tours enhance global understanding, civic engagement, and cultural understanding, and help thousands of teachers every year bring the wider world to their students. To learn more, visit our homepage at primarysource.org!