Aims

•       To introduce students, at a general level, to key debates in African politics.
•       To invite students to think about the place of Africa within international politics.
•       To provide the opportunity for students to relate general debates to particular key case studies.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module gives a broad overview of key political debates concerning Africa. It provides a general introduction to the recent history of Africa and the debates surrounding Africa’s post-colonial legacy, and explores contemporary representations of the continent. It examines the continent's place within global politics examining engagements with international institutions (especially International Financial Institutions) as well as academic analyses of the nature of the African state and state-society relations. Finally newer discussions about emerging African economic strengths are discussed. Throughout the module students will be directed to consider how Africa is understood and treated as an exception (that is to say, as a place in which politics operates differently), and the highly internationalised context in which African politics plays out.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures explore the main features of the political debates concerning Africa, is post-colonial legacy and contemporary representations of the continent. Students are introduced to the key concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding these themes.

The seminars provide an environment for students to deepen understanding and develop a critical evaluation of the empirical, theoretical and conceptual issues surrounding African politics. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in discussions and to develop their oral communication skills.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Essay (60%): The essay requires students to read research and analyse in more detail a particular issue raised in the lecturers and seminars. It provides an opportunity to assess their critical analysis skills and to evaluate their engagement with the intended knowledge outcomes of the course. As the essay provides the most comprehensive opportunity for the students to demonstrate their engagement with the module and their analytical and written presentation skills it is the most highly weighted component.

Exam (40%): The exam has an innovative format and the first element of the exam asks students to choose three (out of eight) concepts/ideas to briefly define. This is designed to encourage students to engage with the breadth of the module. The second element is an essay based exam question which similar to the coursework essay allows them to demonstrate their engagement with the debates that are central to the intended knowledge outcomes, but under controlled conditions.