This course examines the early history of Africa, from human evolution to colonization by European powers in the late 19th century. Topics include: the development of states from kinship based forms of political organization, the political, cultural, and social transformations that accompanied African conversion to Islam, a close examination of oral epic poetry as a window into medieval empire-building in the Sahel, an extended conversation about the role of Africa in the transatlantic slave trade, and a discussion of the dilemmas faced by African rulers in the era of partition on conquest by European powers. Successful students will gain a thorough introduction to the major developments in the early history of Africa, which will serve as a solid foundation for further coursework in African history and other African studies courses.