State, Society and Economy in Africa

PURPOSE
This module is essential as it provides insights into the socio-political and socio-economic challenges that face Africa. The module looks at Africa?s history of colonialism and sets the stage to contextualize current problems and obstacles to the development of Africa. In order to conceptualise African politics it is essential to address the history of colonialism and processes, structures, and systems are rooted in the history of Africa. Therefore, to develop and understanding of Africa today one needs to study pre-colonial and colonial Africa. This will enable an understanding of the foundation upon which political systems are built in contemporary Africa. Africa is a continent of great social and political diversity. It allows for many comparative exercises in political sciences. Therefore, studies of African politics will invariable assume a methodology of comparative African politics. Africa cannot be studied in isolation from international political economy. It determines Africa?s socio-political and socio-economic development as well as influences Africa?s international relations.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this module the students are expected to have developed:
-an understanding of African political life;
-an understanding of opposition movements and conflict in Africa;
-an understanding of the processes of government in Africa;
-and be able to assess the relationship class, ethnicity and rule;
-an understanding of the process of consolidating democracy in post-colonial Africa;
-an understanding of the relationship between economic development and the capitalist international economic regime.

CORE CONTENT
This module comprises various units central to understanding socio-political life in Africa. The main areas to be covered are:
-The historical political development of Africa.
-The development of the state in Africa.
-Civic engagement and democratic engagement.
-Post-conflict reconstruction.
-Creating democracy in Africa.
-Africa?s international relations and international political economy.

Evaluation criteria

This module is assessed on the basis of two written assignment which constitutes 25 % each and one written test which constitutes the other 50 %. Your examination is 50 % of the final mark. The written assignment must be submitted according to principles and guidelines listed in Appendix A. The examination will be a 3 hour exam paper with a choice of four essay questions from which two must be completed. Please note, a subminimum of 40 % is required to write the examination. In order to pass the module, a subminimum of 40 % is needs to be obtained in the examination.