 Africa is the home of the first humans, the first art, the first nation, as well as some of the most beautiful monuments, poetry, art, music, and dance in the world. In this course, we will learn about the land and people of Africa, as well as their ancient civilizations in the Sahara, along the Nile, and into the highlands of ancient Punt. We will look at tales of the Ark of the Covenant in Ethiopia as well as their ancient Coptic Christian traditions, at the rise of Islam and the Swahili city states, and finally at the monumental architecture of Great Zimbabwe. Along the way, we’ll be learning all about the people, art, music, dance, and religions of the many people in East Africa. Here is a basic outline of what we'll be covering this semester:
Week 1 – Sept 13-17 – Geography of Africa Week 2 – Sept 20-24 – People of Africa Week 3 – Sept 27-Oct 1 – The First Artists Week 4 – Oct 4-8 – Egypt in Africa Week 5 – Oct 11-15 – Middle Kingdom and Kerma Week 6 – Oct 18-22 – Imperial Egypt and Nepata Week 7 – Oct 25-27 – Up the Nile Week 8 – Nov 1-5 – Aksum and Monotheism Week 9 – Nov 8-12 – Islam and the Swahili City States Week 10 – Nov 15-19 – Pastoral Arts Week 11 – Nov 29-Dec 3 – Music of East Africa Week 13 – Dec 6-10 – Great Zimbabwe Week 14 – Dec 13-17 – Wrap up
Assignments:
2. The Necropolis: After Life on the Nile 4. Arts of East Africa
Contact info pswanson@harmonyschool.org 812-391-3335 |