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The African Experience: From 'Lucy' to Mandela

By: Kenneth P. Vickery, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Kenneth P. Vickery
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Summary

The story of Africa is the oldest and most event-filled chronicle of human activity on the planet. And in these 36 lectures, you'll explore this great historical drama, tracing the story of the Sub-Saharan region of the continent from the earliest evidence of human habitation to the latest challenges facing African nations in the 21st century.

By learning with these lectures, you'll finally be able to bust myths and correct potential misunderstandings about Africa. For example, in Africa, the word "tribe" is used in a neutral way to connote ethnic identity. Another example: Sub-Saharan Africa was not as isolated as is often suggested by references to the "lost" continent; in fact, an ancient Greek sailing guide from 2,000 years ago clearly shows that the East African coast was already connected commercially with areas to the north.

The primary focus of these eye-opening lectures is Sub-Saharan Africa, the region separated from North Africa by the harsh climate of the Sahara Desert and traditionally the part of the continent that has been the most mysterious and most misunderstood by Westerners. But by traveling on this exciting learning experience (one imbued with a pervasive spirit of charm and adventure), you'll finally be able to strengthen your understanding of this beautiful, multifaceted region.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2006 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2006 The Great Courses
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What listeners say about The African Experience: From 'Lucy' to Mandela

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Quite subjective in parts but very good

This was by far the most subjective of the many Great Courses that I have listened to.

That doesn't mean it was bad, it is just very clear that this is an emotional subject for the Prof.

Also a little bit short on details in parts. Very broad brush strokes are used. I would have preferred more detail in the early history section.

Overall, still very good, very enjoyable and definitely worthwhile

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Fascinating course!

really good course. a very good starting point for anybody looking to learn about sub-saharan africa.

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Remarkable!

This course was very informative, comprehensive and well structured. I'm West African and I'm ashamed to admit that I was completely ignorant about the history of our southern and eastern neighbours before embarking on this course.

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Totally engaging and informative

This is the 1st book I've picked up in my quest to learn more about Africa. I'm really glad I took it up as it sharpened my appetite. I'll definitely be looking at recommended reading material as well.

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A masterpiece

This is a long series of lectures requiring a commitment on the part of the listener to listen from start to finish but that will be amply rewarded in terms of a deep understanding of Africa it past present and the challenges facing the continent in the future. The author and narrator is a master of his subject and gifted speaker and I would look forward to listening to any further lectures that he plans to give

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surprisingly interesting

I ignored this lecture for years unfortunately but the history of the continent in the 19th and 20th centuries is fascinating. highly recommended

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Excellent

A balanced program from a very well researched Professor who clearly cares deeply for the continent.

I was expecting some kind of bias frequently found in both natives and more commonly in foreigners who have not immersed themselves in all aspects of the African experience. African issues tend to be deeply emotive and polarising.

What I enjoyed was a very balanced and detailed walk through African history by someone who has researched the highs and lows, beauty and ugliness of the continent.

I will be recommending the program to fellow former settlers as well as friends and family back home in Africa.

Hamba ghashle

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Insighful

Comprehensive for the time allowed and the supporting material allows the reader to go deeper. I have bought a few books mentioned in these lectures to go deeper. This is a brilliant set of lectures.

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Fun but too superficial

Well told but I can't remember many specifics as everything is skipped over so quickly. I enjoyed it while it was on, though.

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An appetite-whetting ride through Africa!

The half hour structure is cleverly effective in keeping ones attention to the end; and giving a one a feeling that one can listen to the next lecture without fear of fatigue setting in. Kept me wanting more!

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