African History and Political Thought
Master the histories of Africa and Africans
1
Explore the people, events and ideas that shaped the development of politics and society in Africa
2
Engage with oral traditions and written history to decipher events and give life to the figures and ideas of Africa’s past
3
Understand the contributions of African leaders and movements to the proliferation of humanism, republicanism, and democracy across the world
Master the skills to write robustly and critically about African history
Develop vital critical analysis skills as you map the development of African consciousness
Hone your ability to conduct research into how historians have and continue to explore the African experience
Learn to write critically and confidently on African history and appreciate the values and challenges of various approaches to African history
COURSE OUTLINE
Starting September 2022
1 Year | 4 Courses | Live Lectures and Tutorials | 4 Essays
£1399
- Enrolment: open for enrolment
- Closing: 30 June 2022
- Course Start Date: 5 September 2022
- Duration: 1 year
- Format: Online, with Live Lectures and Tutorials
- Assessment: 4 x 1000-word essays
The Foundation Certificate in African History and Political Thought is for students with an interest in how African societies on the continent and in the diaspora have been shaped over the last three hundred years.
In this engaging and insightful programme, students will explore the political and intellectual history of Africa, mapping the rise and fall of empires as well as the emergence of modern nation states.
Students will dive into the lifes of leader figures and influential communities, exploring the movement of people, the transformation of religions, and the development of national consciousness.
Students will also dive into African theology, philosophy and political theory by exploring the intellectual histories underpinning various political movements.
Students will be supported to take a Pan-African and multidisciplinary approach to the programme as they engage with oral histories, written sources, music, photography, and poetry to map the development of modern African societies.
Read more about what to expect on the Foundation Certificate Information Page.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Over the course of the year, students will complete four courses. Students are expected to attend and participate in the live lectures and tutorial accompanying each course and to complete all pre-reading and to submit all assignment on time.
Each year we run a range of courses covering the following topics:
History Options
- African Historiography and Approaches to History
- The Making of Modern Africa
- The New African Intelligentsia
- The First Republics
* Please note, these courses are indicative only and are subject to change
Political Thought and Culture
- African Religion
- Pan-Africanism and Nationalism
- African Political Philosophy
- Politics in African Literature
* Please note, these courses are indicative only and are subject to change
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the Foundation Certificate, students will have an understanding of:
- the chronology of political developments across the continent and in the diaspora from 1700 onwards;
- African concepts of the state, the citizen, nationalism and internationalism;
- the rise and fall of various nations in response to internal and external pressures;
- the intellectual response to the dislocations of the enslavement, colonialism, and racial injustice on the continent and in the diaspora;
- the rise of new African intellectualism;
- the role of literary movements in political expression.
SKILLS OUTCOMES
By the end of the Foundation Certificate, students should have acquired the ability:
- to conduct research into an area of historical debate, including the use of online digital archives;
- to chart the course of political and social developments across an expanse of time and space;
- to comprehend and analyse complex historical subjects;
- to engage with the historiography of the period;
- to write critically and confidently about historical events.
Tutors
Lectures and tutorials on the Foundation Certificate are designed and delivered by AHP academics as well as academics from leading African studies departments around the world.
Duration
Students have 12 months from registration to complete the required courses, attend the live lectures and tutorials, and submit the assignments.
Assessment
- 4 x 1000-word essay
- Lecture and tutorial attendance and participation
Certificate
On successful completion of the Foundation Certificate, participants will be issued with a Certificate of Completion and be eligible for an academic reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the entry requirements for the Foundation Certificate?
There are no entry requirements however students should have passion, the necessary time to commit to study, the commitment to take part in tutorials, and complete assignments.
What is the deadline for application?
Yes, you need to enrol but 30 June.
Will I be invited to an interview before a decision is made on my application?
There are no interviews to gain admission to our Foundation Certificates.
How do I apply?
All applications are submitted via our online portal. Please click on the enrolment button on each course page.
Is the Foundation Certificate full time or part time?
The Foundation Certificate is offered on a part time basis.
Do I need to provide a reference or personal statement?
There is no reference or personal statement required to take a course at the African History Project.
What level of English do I need to complete the course?
We recommend that a candidate have at least Intermediate English Proficiency (B2 on the Common European Language Framework) to complete the course.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, candidates can make payment in instalments. Please see the course page.
Is there any financial assistance available?
The African History Project does not provide financial assistance for the Foundation Certificates at this time.
I am not based in the UK, does this matter?
Our courses are delivered online hence there is no need for physical presence in the UK in order to take the course. Our live lectures and tutorials are usually scheduled for Tuesday evenings (Africa/Europe) or Lunchtime (Caribbean/Americas) so depending on where you are you will need set time aside each week at this time.
Tutor
Apeike Umolu
Director and Lecturer
Study African history constructively
We teach the histories of African people in their entirety giving students an authentic understanding of African cultures on the continent and in the diaspora
We champion the work of African scholars and primary sources produced by African historical figures including the use of oral histories, poetry, art, artefacts and music
We have a pan-African approach to the study of African histories allowing students to explore the influence of and impact on contemporaneous global African experiences
Our online courses make use of digital archives and audio-visual resources to enhance the learning experience and widen access to Black historical study at the highest of levels.
Our lessons have been designed by experienced lecturers and tutors in consultation with historians to ensure that they are engaging, critical and informative.
Our live lectures provide robust introductions to topics and support students to begin their dive into the readings
Students receive a certificate of completion and transcript on successful completion of the course and are eligible for an academic reference.
