GI6064 - African Politics (2024/25)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | ||||||||||
| Module title | African Politics | ||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 120 | ||||||||||
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| Running in 2024/25(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
On this module you will have the opportunity to challenge assumptions about the problems of contemporary Africa and its place in the world. In particular, the module aims to: examine the problems of African security and development through a broad approach, involving political, social and global perspectives; place Africa within the larger theoretical frameworks and approaches to international relations; encourage consideration of the relative responsibilities of Africans and those who promote or benefit from an unequal global system; and explore the complexities of problem-solving in this context. It will also consider the opportunities and challenges for African countries in the 21st Century.
Prior learning requirements
None. Available for Study Abroad.
Syllabus
We will explore key developments in African politics including: the rise of nationalism and the process of decolonisation; issues relating to economic development in the region (LO1); the significance of ethnicity and the causes of conflict; independence from colonial rule and the nature of statehood in Africa; the neo-patrimonial theory of the African state (LO2); the role of identity and ‘traditional’ politics; the emergence of new social forces and the prospects for democratisation; and the contemporary state and the prospects for liberal development (LO3).
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Teaching consists of a weekly two-hour lecture/workshop, followed by a one-hour seminar. Lectures will involve a combination of taught lectures, videos and the use of first-hand documents and websites. During the module seminars will combine a variety of methods including discussion based on pre-set questions, role plays, and presenting a briefing paper.
Blended Learning will be a key component of the module. Lecture notes and first-hand documents for use in class will be posted online, as will web links for academic and governmental websites, as well as video links. Questions for class discussion will be available from the beginning of the module via the Weblearn site, which will include a list of resources students can use to answer the questions and study the subject in greater depth.
Class discussions and assessment will encourage reflective learning and provide the opportunity for students to develop key employability skills whilst encourage personal development strategies and independent learning. An activity week will also form part of the syllabus.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the problems of economic and political development in sub-Saharan Africa.
2. Critically assess the utility of various models and approaches in explaining these problems.
3. Debate the role and ethics of the global actors and the international system in African ‘underdevelopment’.
4. Undertake independent research into contemporary developments in African politics and speak and write about them effectively.