HIST204L - US-Africa Relations Since WWII

3 Credit(s)

Liberal Arts
In this course, we will examine the long history of US involvement with Africa since WW2. We will move beyond stereotypes and mythology to a more complete understanding of the reality and possibilities of US-Africa relations. To do so, we will address question such as: • Under what circumstances have various Americans identified with Africa? • How have Americans sought influence or profits in Africa? To what effects? • Under what circumstances have various African countries identified with the US? Since the continent has over 50 countries, rather than being a study of the individual African countries, the course will approach these questions through different topics. These issues include US-Africa foreign policy, US and decolonization in Africa, African Americans and Africans, and US-Soviet Union relations in Africa. Even though the course is organized by topics, students will be challenged to identify crosscutting influences. The course reviews these topics within specific countries’ contexts, including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ghana, Liberia, Egypt, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Angola.