Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/archaeology-heritage-africa
Africa, the cradle of humankind, boasts a heritage stretching back tens of thousands of years, a history often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Coursera’s “Archaeology and Heritage of Africa” course, a collaborative effort funded by the German Foreign Office and developed by the German Archaeological Institute (DAI) in partnership with Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), the Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behavior (ICArEHB), and the Eduardo Mondlane University, offers a compelling and accessible gateway into this rich past.
The course is thoughtfully structured into four modules, providing a comprehensive overview of the subject. The first module, “Introduction to Archaeology and African Archaeology,” sets the stage by introducing the fundamentals of archaeology and highlighting the unique characteristics of African archaeological contexts. It delves into topics like Africa’s rock art and its diverse geography and climate, as well as the sources used to understand environmental changes throughout history.
Following this, the “Introduction to Archaeological Methods” module provides a practical insight into the tools and techniques archaeologists employ. This section emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the field, covering various survey methods (ground, aerial, subsurface) and the use of mobile technology. It also introduces a wide array of specialized disciplines, from archaeobotany and zooarchaeology to lithic technology, human remains analysis, and rock art methodology.
The third module, “Heritage Management,” shifts focus to the critical aspect of preserving and utilizing Africa’s cultural legacy. It explores the concept of heritage value in Africa and its potential as a driver for local development, particularly through sustainable tourism. Case studies from Namibia, including the inspiring work of the Daureb Mountain Guides, showcase successful community-led heritage management initiatives.
The final module, “Case Studies,” is a highlight, allowing learners to apply the knowledge gained through engaging real-world examples. These case studies span diverse regions and time periods, from hunter-gatherer and early farming communities in Mozambique to archaeobotanical research on cultivated landscapes in the West African Savanna and the de-greening of the Sahara in Chad. The module also examines the Stone Age of Mozambique and the stunning rock paintings of the Upper Brandberg.
Overall, “Archaeology and Heritage of Africa” is an outstanding course. Its accessible language, high-quality resources, and the breadth of its case studies make it an invaluable learning experience for anyone interested in African history, archaeology, or heritage studies. The collaborative development ensures a well-rounded and expert-driven perspective. I highly recommend this course for its ability to illuminate the profound and often underappreciated archaeological and heritage landscape of Africa.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/archaeology-heritage-africa