Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Course Description

Africa is the second-largest and second-most populous continent in the World. It has a rich history and vivid cultures and societies.  Yet, Africa has been misunderstood and is the most misrepresented continent in the world. It has long been shown in the media as a place of crisis. It is a region of the world often known for civil wars, AIDS/HIV, diseases, corruption, starvation, and environmental destruction. However, it has contributed significantly to world civilization by providing the world's most valuable minerals and natural resources, as well as human resources that have contributed to the economic development of modern Europe and North America. Therefore, Africa presents us with the opportunity to examine the intricate relationship between the environment and society. This course is an introduction to the geography of Africa. In this course, we will study the current physical and human conditions in Africa, with a primary focus on Africa south of the Sahara. We will examine the problems facing contemporary African societies. We will explore why Africa has become a place of such deep contrasts between crisis and hope. The course will help you search beyond the stereotypes of One Africa without hope, but it will also deepen your understanding of its multifaceted continent.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze and articulate geographic concepts related to Africa's geography, including its physical environment, peoples, cultures, and history.
• Analyze changing political and economic relationships between the United States and countries in Africa to be a more informed and engaged American citizen.
• Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills through student-led class discussions.
• Interpret maps, graphs, and visuals as tools for analyzing the distribution patterns of phenomena.
• Evaluate how changing cultural, social, and economic characteristics of African countries influence internal strife and external intervention.
• Describe, analyze, and articulate the spatial dimensions of colonialism and neo-colonialism, problems of urban growth and housing, environmental issues, the causes of hunger and famine, the quest for democratic governments, the AIDS epidemic, problems associated with foreign aid, and Africa’s role within the global world economy.

For more information, please see the Course Content and Outcome Guide for this course.

Participation Expectations

This is an online course. Online courses DO NOT require a live Zoom meeting. You will do your coursework at your own pace. 

Students in this course are expected to log in at least three times a week to work on the modules, check their email, and participate in discussions. Prompt participation in discussions is essential when group work is involved, as others in your group depend on your input. Each time you log in to the course, be sure to check for any new announcements, emails, discussion messages, and calendar postings.

Software/ Hardware / Equipment / Technical skill expectations

• Microsoft Office or equivalent (Google Docs, iWork, etc). You must be able to save files as doc, docx, rtf, or pdf format.
• Calculator
• Firefox, Chrome, or Safari browser
• You must be able to work with documents and upload to Assignments in D2L. Directions to use Google Drive in Brightspace.
• The technical requirements for most online classes include access to a computer with a modern operating system and a supported web browser