AF-HE · History
African History: States, Trade and Ideas
University & tertiary Ages 18–99 48 hours en
Study Africa through its own long historical archives.
Ancient states, Indian Ocean and trans-Saharan trade, intellectual traditions, migration and historical method.
Curriculum family: African Higher Education Common Programmes
Course overview
This History course connects core university concepts to African contexts, practical inquiry and community-based application. Learners work through guided readings, a weekly studio and an applied final task.
Learning outcomes
Explain key History concepts; analyse evidence and assumptions; apply methods to an African case; communicate findings clearly; reflect on ethics, power and community impact.
Weekly outline
Week 1: Orientation and local context; Week 2: Core concepts; Week 3: Methods and evidence; Week 4: African case study; Week 5: Applied project; Week 6: Assessment and reflection.
Assessment
Weekly activities 30%; participation and peer response 20%; applied final project 50%.
Prerequisites: No formal prerequisite. Learners need curiosity, regular study time and access to weekly course materials.
Course media
Exams and assessment papers
No exam papers are available for download yet. Exam papers and results will appear here when a teacher publishes them.
Weekly lessons
| Week | Lesson | Studio |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Week 1 - Orientation and local context: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 2 | Week 2 - Key concepts and vocabulary: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 3 | Week 3 - Methods, evidence and practice: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 4 | Week 4 - African case study and application: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 5 | Week 5 - Community project or problem studio: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 6 | Week 6 - Reflection, assessment and next steps: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 7 | Unit 7 - a local case study: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 8 | Unit 8 - comparison across places: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 9 | Unit 9 - voice and representation: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 10 | Unit 10 - ethics and responsibility: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 11 | Unit 11 - systems and relationships: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 12 | Unit 12 - patterns and interpretation: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 13 | Unit 13 - measurement and proportion: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 14 | Unit 14 - change over time: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 15 | Unit 15 - power and access: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 16 | Unit 16 - community strengths: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 17 | Unit 17 - primary sources and lived experience: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 18 | Unit 18 - research questions: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 19 | Unit 19 - organising evidence: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 20 | Unit 20 - mid-course synthesis: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 21 | Unit 21 - language and meaning: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 22 | Unit 22 - identity and community memory: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 23 | Unit 23 - land, environment and place: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 24 | Unit 24 - technology and access: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 25 | Unit 25 - designing a fair process: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 26 | Unit 26 - creative practice: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 27 | Unit 27 - problem definition: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 28 | Unit 28 - hypotheses and explanations: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 29 | Unit 29 - testing and revision: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 30 | Unit 30 - collaboration: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 31 | Unit 31 - communicating to an audience: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 32 | Unit 32 - visuals, numbers and media: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 33 | Unit 33 - resources and sustainability: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 34 | Unit 34 - rights and dignity: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 35 | Unit 35 - regional connections: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 36 | Unit 36 - project proposal: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 37 | Unit 37 - project purpose: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 38 | Unit 38 - project consultation: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 39 | Unit 39 - project preparation: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 40 | Unit 40 - project milestone one: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 41 | Unit 41 - constructive feedback: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 42 | Unit 42 - improving after feedback: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 43 | Unit 43 - quality and standards: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 44 | Unit 44 - risk and safety: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 45 | Unit 45 - leadership and responsibility: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 46 | Unit 46 - African innovation: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 47 | Unit 47 - professional application: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 48 | Unit 48 - project milestone two: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 49 | Unit 49 - accessible knowledge: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 50 | Unit 50 - self-assessment: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 51 | Unit 51 - debate and evidence: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 52 | Unit 52 - policy and collective action: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 53 | Unit 53 - livelihoods and value: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 54 | Unit 54 - health and wellbeing: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 55 | Unit 55 - climate resilience: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 56 | Unit 56 - heritage and future generations: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 57 | Unit 57 - digital literacy: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 58 | Unit 58 - community review: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 59 | Unit 59 - project milestone three: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 60 | Unit 60 - independent inquiry: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 61 | Unit 61 - theory and practice: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 62 | Unit 62 - uncertainty and limitations: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 63 | Unit 63 - future pathways: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 64 | Unit 64 - justice and reciprocity: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 65 | Unit 65 - clear presentation: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 66 | Unit 66 - project rehearsal: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 67 | Unit 67 - final evidence: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 68 | Unit 68 - applied project completion: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 69 | Unit 69 - public storytelling: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 70 | Unit 70 - teacher conference: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 71 | Unit 71 - exam preparation: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 72 | Unit 72 - practice assessment: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 73 | Unit 73 - correcting misconceptions: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 74 | Unit 74 - peer teaching: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 75 | Unit 75 - course synthesis: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 76 | Unit 76 - learning portfolio: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 77 | Unit 77 - community action: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 78 | Unit 78 - learner voice: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 79 | Unit 79 - assessment submission: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 80 | Unit 80 - mentorship and lifelong learning: African History: States, Trade and Ideas Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for African History: States, Trade and Ideas. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
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