This site showcases the work of Wake Forest University students studying African history with Dr. Nate Plageman. More specifically, it features the work of students completing two survey courses that explore the rich and diverse histories of African societies.

In “African History to 1870,” students examine case studies to understand how African societies shaped their own histories from 1500 to 1870, using a variety of sources to explore cultural perspectives and historical change. “African History Since 1850” focuses on the colonial era, liberation movements, and the political and economic challenges of the 20th century, also through case studies.

These writings reflect not only students’ exploration of African histories but also their engagement with the practice of history itself. They grapple with the complexities of interpreting sources, analyzing evidence, and understanding history as a dynamic conversation rather than a fixed record.

What you’ll find here:

Essays

Essays contains short pieces of writing in which students offer their thoughts on a shared set of questions. These pieces of writing are collated together, which means that you can access different interpretations on our course material in one place. Each of these collated collections serves as a forum—a place in which we share with readers our thoughts and views of the past and the act of doing history.

Source Collections

Source Collections features students’ semester-long capstone projects on topics of their choosing. Here, students all engage in the same task—providing readers with a forum of different perspectives, insights, and offerings about their chosen topics—around various time periods, events, and groups of people.