CLASS OVERVIEW

Discusses topics such as social structures, blacksmith and griot traditions, oral epics like the Sunjata Epic, the influence of West African music, and the historical role of artisans, potters, and leatherworkers. The lecture connects ancient cultural practices to modern African and African American heritage, illustrating the continuity of linguistic, artistic, and spiritual traditions across the African diaspora.

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED:

• Please check the materials that go with this lesson and print relevant materials.

• Also, check out the books and products the teachers use for further learning.

• Reach out to support@urbanintellectuals.com if you have any questions or issues.

• Some links may be affiliate links where we may earn a small commission from purchases.

World Changer/Teacher: Dr. John Aden

Sources: 

Sources information and links cited for this class can be found within the Google Slides Presentation below.

Quizzes are not applicable in this class.

Dr. John’s Class #17 Google Slide Presentation Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-KJPcEXo5zveT6CkykaDVSJGP7lbwHvYho0mYyoebeY/edit?slide=id.p#slide=id.p

These Google Slides contain the slides for two classes, Class 17: West African History: Social Structures Part II – Dr. Aden and Class 18: West African History: Social Structures Part III – Dr. Aden.

CLASS OVERVIEW

Discusses geography, social systems, and cultural traditions of West Africa—covering topics like the tripartite caste system (nobles, artisans, and enslaved persons), blacksmithing, griot oral traditions, and the Sunjata Epic. The session also touches on colonial influence, Islamic expansion, and modern geopolitical issues in the Sahel, blending historical insight with contemporary relevance.

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED:

• Please check the materials that go with this lesson and print relevant materials.

• Also, check out the books and products the teachers use for further learning.

• Reach out to support@urbanintellectuals.com if you have any questions or issues.

• Some links may be affiliate links where we may earn a small commission from purchases.

World Changer/Teacher: Dr. John Aden

Sources: 

Sources information and links cited for this class can be found within the Google Slides Presentation below.

Quizzes are not applicable in this class.

Dr. John’s Class #16 Google Slide Presentation Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1egi3IpjFXpvn20gT8pDazFe2gVJGJfgVaY__o5BHJ_0/edit#slide=id.p

CLASS OVERVIEW

Topics include the Mali and Ghana Empires, the Bantu migration, trade routes, the Sahara’s ecological history, Islamic influence, and the role of horses, salt, and rivers in shaping societies. The lecture emphasizes Africa’s historical sophistication, challenging Eurocentric narratives and highlighting the continent’s cultural, linguistic, and intellectual depth.

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED:

• Please check the materials that go with this lesson and print relevant materials.

• Also, check out the books and products the teachers use for further learning.

• Reach out to support@urbanintellectuals.com if you have any questions or issues.

• Some links may be affiliate links where we may earn a small commission from purchases.

World Changer/Teacher: Dr. John Aden

Sources: 

Sources information and links cited for this class can be found within the Google Slides Presentation below.

Quizzes are not applicable in this class.

Dr. John’s Class #15 Google Slide Presentation Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13rn2KbAnqtk6fgzQf4PCMqBZ0eli1CxNOLYxVb8IsDY/edit#slide=id.p

CLASS OVERVIEW

It explores the early kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, emphasizing their political systems, trade networks, and cultural developments. The lecturer discusses topics such as Islamic influence, oral traditions, art, and social hierarchies, alongside the region’s role in global history.

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED:

• Please check the materials that go with this lesson and print relevant materials.

• Also, check out the books and products the teachers use for further learning.

• Reach out to support@urbanintellectuals.com if you have any questions or issues.

• Some links may be affiliate links where we may earn a small commission from purchases.

World Changer/Teacher: Dr. John Aden

Sources: 

Sources information and links cited for this class can be found within the Google Slides Presentation below.

Quizzes are not applicable in this class.

Dr. John’s Class #14 Google Slide Presentation Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1aisk7Tc4wUViQgIYq3VfcQX4vKGDla1zPfreZgWN3TE/edit#slide=id.p

CLASS OVERVIEW

It covers the 25th to 27th dynasties, focusing on Nubian (Kushite) influence, the revival of Egyptian art and religion, and the eventual Persian and Greek conquests. The talk explores figures like Piye, Taharqa, and Shabaka, the fusion of Nubian and Egyptian culture, and how external powers reshaped Egypt.

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED:

• Please check the materials that go with this lesson and print relevant materials.

• Also, check out the books and products the teachers use for further learning.

• Reach out to support@urbanintellectuals.com if you have any questions or issues.

• Some links may be affiliate links where we may earn a small commission from purchases.

World Changer/Teacher: Dr. John Aden

Sources: 

Sources information and links cited for this class can be found within the Google Slides Presentation below.

Quizzes are not applicable in this class.

Dr. John’s Class #13 Google Slide Presentation Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1SleZ3BdIjU7NxW6fCZ3sesmo4eRU73gBVkbWLfh7krw/edit?usp=drivesdk

CLASS OVERVIEW

Discusses the Amarna Period of ancient Egyptian history, focusing on Pharaoh Akhenaten, Queen Nefertiti, and their religious, artistic, and political reforms. The talk explores how Akhenaten’s shift toward monotheism, the artistic evolution of the period, and its eventual reversal under King Tutankhamun shaped Egyptian culture and governance.

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED:

• Please check the materials that go with this lesson and print relevant materials.

• Also, check out the books and products the teachers use for further learning.

• Reach out to support@urbanintellectuals.com if you have any questions or issues.

• Some links may be affiliate links where we may earn a small commission from purchases.

World Changer/Teacher: Dr. John Aden

Sources: 

Sources information and links cited for this class can be found within the Google Slides Presentation below.

Quizzes are not applicable in this class.

Dr. John’s Class #12 Google Slide Presentation Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1YMbbG-cQADIdleAhE1vKW_uTcN4Amt9_jvbJVV3LMy8/edit#slide=id.p