Learning Objectives
Students will acquire insight into the major developments in Sub-Saharan Africa since the 1950s until today.
They will gain a thorough knowledge of major concepts and theories in African Politics and how to critically engage with them.
They will develop crucial research skills such as independent analysis of academic and nonacademic texts, presentation skills, as well as report writing and argumentation.
Content:
This course focuses on the politics of Africa with specific attention to the three interrelated concepts of development, democracy, and (cultural) identity. It will discuss the main political trends characterizing Sub-Saharan Africa since the 1950s until today, including the decolonization processes of the 1950s and 60s, the early switch to authoritarian rule across the continent, economic stagnation and the debt crisis, and the third wave of democratization of the 1990s. Within this historical framework, students will engage with debates on the nature of African states and the lingering effects of colonialism, focusing on key concepts such as neopatrimonialism and ethnicity. Most attention will lie on political developments since the 1990s and continued democratization struggles across the continent. Students will gain insights into the variation across Africa as some countries have become stable democracies while others remain subjected to instability and authoritarian rule. They will learn the major explanatory factors offered for these differences as well as how to critically assess them. Students will also gain insights into the key actors influencing socio-political developments in Africa, including political elites, political parties, social movements, NGOs, and international actors.
Mode of Instruction
The seminar consists of lectures, group work and class discussions. Students are expected to read texts in advance of the class, reflect on the guiding questions accompanying the texts, and follow up on the news coming from Africa for discussion in class. Students will also be required to independently write one book review and one country report.
Study Material
Study material consists of lecture slides, journal articles, and book chapters made available on Blackboard. Students will also be required to (purchase and) read one African-focused novel from the literature list provided at the beginning of the course.
Assessment Method:
10% participation in classes and group discussion.
30% midterm exam with essay questions gauging students’ understanding of course material
20% book review of 1 African-focused novel connecting the book to themes of the course (list will be provided)
30% country report: in-depth analysis of the socio-political developments and structure of a selected African country
10% presentation of country report
Students must submit and/or participate in all assignments to pass the course.
Registration
See general information on tab 'Year 3'