Overview of South African History

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course is specifically designed to help international exchange students gain sufficient general knowledge of South Africa's history to better understand the many nuances of this complex country. We apply a broad historical lens - spanning more than 100,000 years - to South Africa's past, covering early humans, the indigenous San and Khoi people, and other complex pre-colonial societies. We also apply a critical lens to the colonial era, including a 'history from below' examination of the Cape's slave history and the socio-economic impact of the mineral revolution in the 19th century. The second term examines the root causes of one of the most infamous parts of South Africa's history: apartheid. We explore the development of Afrikaner nationalism from social, economic, and political perspectives, as well as the philosophies and strategies of the anti-apartheid struggle, including African nationalism, the Black Consciousness Movement, unionism, and both passive and armed resistance. The course concludes with a critical look at the democratic transition and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, complemented by a field trip to the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation in Cape Town. We will also address key themes of the post-apartheid era, such as AIDS, #FeesMustFall, state capture, decolonization, and more. Classes are interactive, and students are encouraged to participate in debates on fundamental issues of race, class, economics, and social justice, sharing their experiences from their home countries with the class.