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for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
The Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Unit code |
POLI21231 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
I/5
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Flint |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None
|
| Co-requisites |
None
|
| School/department |
School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Description including Unit Aims
The unit considers the politics of the independent states of sub-Saharan Africa with particular emphasis on a number of core themes: the colonial legacy, the nature of the post-colonial state, society and its institutions, the nation-building projects of these states, the movement towards democratisation in the 1990s and finally the relations between African states and their relationship, in turn, with the outside world.
Aims:
- To introduce the political issues and debates relating to sub-Saharan Africa.
- To discuss the nature of the post-colonial state in Africa and the significance of the colonial legacy.
- To focus on aspects of African nationalism, nation-building, the movement towards democratisation in recent years and the international relations of the African states.
- To elicit written and oral discussion of issues raised in the unit.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the unit the student will have developed the following:
- an understanding of the making of contemporary Africa.
- an ability to engage in scholarly seminar discussion on related topics.
- an ability to deliver a scholarly seminar presentation on an aspect of African politics.
- an ability to write in a scholarly way about African politics.
Teaching Information
The unit will be taught through blended learning methods, including a mix of synchronous and asynchronous teaching activities
Assessment Information
2,000 word essay 1 (25%)
2,000 word essay 2 (75%)
Both assessments test all learning outcomes
Reading and References
- Alex Thomson, An Introduction to African Politics, Second Edition (London: Routledge, 2004) JQ1872 THO. 304 pages.
- Peter J. Schraeder, African Politics and Society. A Mosaic in Transformation, Second Edition (Belmont,CA.: Thomson-Wadsworth, 2004). DT353 SCH
- Naomi Chazan et al, Politics and Society in Contemporary Africa, Third edition (Boulder, Colorado: Lynne Rienner, 1999). 543 pages. JQ1879.A15.
- April A. Gordon & Donald L. Gordon (eds), Understanding Contemporary Africa, Third Edition (Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner, 2001).
- Ian Taylor and Paul Williams, Africa in International Politics. External Involvement on the Continent (London: Routledge, 2004). DT30.5 AFR
- William Tordoff, Government and Politics in Africa, Fourth Edition (Basingstoke: Macmillan, 2002).
