Dynamic Societies of Ancient and Medieval Africa

Africa has a history of complex societies and rich cultures which has not, traditionally, been appreciated fully despite its deep and lasting contributions to humanity. This 4-week asynchronous online course will illuminate the longevity and dynamism of African civilizations, cultural developments, and connectedness to the world, with an emphasis on sub-Saharan regions. Each of four sessions will trace a different theme across a set of case studies and contexts: geography and environment; trade, exchange and cultural diffusion; knowledge and belief; and social structure and governance. Participants will explore a wealth of new websites and sources for the art, archaeology, technological achievements and literature of pre-modern African societies. Inquiry-centered approaches using interactive maps, material objects, and 3-D archaeological re-creations will also be featured. The course is highly relevant for teachers of geography, world history, ancient societies and world religions. All educators who seek a deeper understanding of Africa’s dynamic history are welcome.

Course Objective #1

Discuss the geography and pre-colonial history of the African continent with awareness of their breadth and diversity.

Course Objective #2

Analyze and discuss key moments and developments of African history in relation to world historical themes of the ancient and medieval periods.

Course Objective #3

Critically evaluate African history through a variety of sources, perspectives, and social science disciplines.

Course Logistics

Dates Winter 2027: Wednesday, January 13 to Tuesday, February 9, 2027 Grade Levels Supported: Especially for grades 6-12 Course Format: Online, asynchronous Professional Development Points (PDPs): 22.5 PDPs Graduate Credit: 1 optional graduate credit available ($180) with credit accreditation through Southern New Hampshire University Fee: $750 (contact us at [email protected] to enroll in the course using a Purchase Order) This program provides content support for Grade 6, Unit 3 of Investigating History.

Massachusetts Standards & Professional Alignment

[6.T3g] Interactions among ancient societies in Western Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East; [6.T4] Sub-Saharan Africa; [WHI.T3] Interactions of kingdoms and empires c. 1000–1500; [WHI.T2] Development and diffusion of religions and systems of belief c. 500 BCE–1200 CE; [WHI.T4] Philosophy, the arts, science and technology c. 1200 to 1700

Course Overview

5 Chapters · 45 Lessons

1. (Included in full purchase)
  Course Overview
2. (Included in full purchase)
  Image Credits
3. (Included in full purchase)
  Dynamic Societies of Ancient and Medieval Africa Course Syllabus
4. (Included in full purchase)
  Final Course Assignment
5. (Included in full purchase)
  Course Guidelines
6. (Included in full purchase)
  Discussion Forum Guidelines
7. (Included in full purchase)
  Graduate Credit Assignment & Registration Information
1. (Included in full purchase)
  Session One Readings & Activities
2. (Included in full purchase)
  Prologue: What Is African History? An Interpretive Introduction
3. (Included in full purchase)
  Scholar Presentation and Context Materials: Geography, Environment and History of Africa
4. (Included in full purchase)
  Activity: Physical & Human Geography of West Africa: Historical Inquiry Using Tech Interactives
5. (Included in full purchase)
  A Closer Look: Art and Society in Africa’s Early Iron Age
6. (Included in full purchase)
  Learning Station #1
7. (Included in full purchase)
  Learning Station #2
8. (Included in full purchase)
  Learning Station #3
9. (Included in full purchase)
  Performance Task: Summarizing Your Learning
10. (Included in full purchase)
  Pedagogical Feature: Critical Thinking with Timelines
11. (Included in full purchase)
  Discussion Forum: Session One
1. (Included in full purchase)
  Session Two Readings & Activities
2. (Included in full purchase)
  Reading: Documenting Pre-Colonial Trade in Africa
3. (Included in full purchase)
  Activity: Examining Early Civilizations Through the Lens of Trade
4. (Included in full purchase)
  Closer Look: Urbanism and Great Cities of Africa
5. (Included in full purchase)
  Activity: Resources for Exploring Two Flourishing Trade Networks
6. (Included in full purchase)
  Pedagogical Feature: Teaching about Slavery in Pre-Modern Africa
7. (Included in full purchase)
  Discussion Forum: Session Two
1. (Included in full purchase)
  Session Three Readings & Activities
2. (Included in full purchase)
  Reading/Viewing: Written and Oral Literacies in African History, an Introduction
3. (Included in full purchase)
  Inquiry: Timbuktu as a Center of Learning in the Global Middle Ages
4. (Included in full purchase)
  Teaching and Learning about Religious Traditions in Sub-Saharan Africa
5. (Included in full purchase)
  How to Teach About Religion: A Pedagogical Approach
6. (Included in full purchase)
  African Religions: Getting an Overview through a Map
7. (Included in full purchase)
  Learning About Three African Faith Traditions
8. (Included in full purchase)
  Closer Look: Exploring Religious Architecture in Africa
9. (Included in full purchase)
  Final Course Project Introduction
10. (Included in full purchase)
  Discussion Forum: Session Three
1. (Included in full purchase)
  Session Four Readings & Activities
2. (Included in full purchase)
  Reading/Viewing: Systems of Government in Pre-Colonial Africa
3. (Included in full purchase)
  Activity: African Ideals of Leadership Through Art and Literature
4. (Included in full purchase)
  Closer Look: Sundiata Epic and Manden Charter: Political Philosophy through Orally-Transmitted Sources
5. (Included in full purchase)
  Mansa Musa in the Classroom: Critically Engaging with Online Curriculum
6. (Included in full purchase)
  Final Course Project
7. (Included in full purchase)
  Discussion Forum: Session Four
8. (Included in full purchase)
  Post-Course Survey
9. (Included in full purchase)
  Final Project Submission
10. (Included in full purchase)
  Graduate Credit Project 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.

”

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.

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!

Dynamic Societies of Ancient and Medieval Africa