← History Hub
EXTENDED CURRICULUM

African History

One-semester introductory course — A semester-long Examine the Past inquiry pathway within Black History.

Essential course question: How can evidence reveal historical change, continuity and the diversity of Black historical experiences?

4 units / pathways16 planned lessons
Existing Examine the Past history artwork used temporarily for African History
Existing site artwork · original course-specific illustration planned

Curriculum Overview and Unit Map

Use the expandable unit directory to see course topics, proposed learning outcomes, pacing and each named lesson. Select any lesson to open its structured preview.

4 units16 lessonsStandards mapping in development
AF1 · Ancient African Civilizations4 lessons

Unit inquiry: What evidence helps us explain ancient african civilizations?

Topics: Ancient African Civilizations · The Kingdom of Kush and the Nile Valley · Nubian Leadership and the Twenty-Fifth Dynasty · Ancient Aksum and African Trade

Suggested time: Approximately 2–4 weeks, flexible pacing

1. The Kingdom of Kush and the Nile ValleyLesson in Development2. Nubian Leadership and the Twenty-Fifth DynastyLesson in Development3. Ancient Aksum and African TradeLesson in Development4. African Civilizations Beyond EgyptLesson in Development
AF2 · Medieval African Kingdoms4 lessons

Unit inquiry: What evidence helps us explain medieval african kingdoms?

Topics: Medieval African Kingdoms · The Ghana Empire and West African Trade · Sundiata Keita and the Mali Empire · Mansa Musa and the Global Significance of Mali

Suggested time: Approximately 2–4 weeks, flexible pacing

1. The Ghana Empire and West African TradeLesson in Development2. Sundiata Keita and the Mali EmpireLesson in Development3. Mansa Musa and the Global Significance of MaliLesson in Development4. Great Zimbabwe and Southern African DevelopmentLesson in Development
AF3 · African Culture, Commerce, and Society4 lessons

Unit inquiry: What evidence helps us explain african culture, commerce, and society?

Topics: African Culture, Commerce, and Society · Trans-Saharan Trade Networks · African Intellectual Traditions and Timbuktu · Women and Leadership in African History

Suggested time: Approximately 2–4 weeks, flexible pacing

1. Trans-Saharan Trade NetworksLesson in Development2. African Intellectual Traditions and TimbuktuLesson in Development3. Women and Leadership in African HistoryLesson in Development4. African Art, Religion, and Cultural SystemsLesson in Development
AF4 · Colonialism and Modern Africa4 lessons

Unit inquiry: What evidence helps us explain colonialism and modern africa?

Topics: Colonialism and Modern Africa · The Scramble for Africa · African Resistance to Colonial Rule · Independence and Decolonization

Suggested time: Approximately 2–4 weeks, flexible pacing

1. The Scramble for AfricaLesson in Development2. African Resistance to Colonial RuleLesson in Development3. Independence and DecolonizationLesson in Development4. Modern African Nations and Global InfluenceLesson in Development

141 Additional Hero Lessons

Explore individual Black History figure lessons as extensions without creating duplicate courses or pages.

Browse Black History Heroes

Our Curriculum Design Notes

This original course outline organizes historical themes into disciplinary inquiry, comparisons, evidence-based writing, accessible learning and assessment for deeper understanding.

Curriculum Design Reflection

Inquiry questions, progressive outcomes and source evaluation guide our independent instructional work. Full research and assessment design are added as individual lessons are developed.