Cheikh Anta Babou
Associate Professor of History
Cheikh Anta Babou joined the history department of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in 2002. Dr. Babou teaches African History and the History of Islam in Africa. His research focuses on mystical Islam in West Africa and Senegal and on the new African diaspora.
Professor Babou has published extensively on the Muridiyya Muslim order of Senegal and the Senegalese diaspora. His book, Fighting the Greater Jihad: Amadu Bamba and the Founding of the Muridiyya of Senegal, 1853-1913 was published by Ohio University Press in 2007. Dr. Babou’s articles appeared in African Affairs, Journal of African History, International Journal of African Historical Studies, Journal of Religion in Africa, Africa Today and other scholarly journals in the United States and in France. He has presented papers in international scholarly meetings on Islam and the transnational migration of West African Muslims. His current research project examines the experience of West African Muslim immigrants in Europe and North America.
Courses Taught (As Schedule Allows)
For current course listings, consult the Course Directory.
- HIST 075 Africa before 1800
- HIST 206 Decolonization & Africa
- HIST 206 Religion and Colonial Rule in Africa
- HIST 275 Islam and Society in America
