African Politics
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| POLI3128 | Politics and International Relations | 3 | 20 | Autumn UK, Spring UK |
- Code
- POLI3128
- School
- Politics and International Relations
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK, Spring UK
Summary
This module explores key themes and debates in the study of African politics. It aims to provide a broad introduction to African domestic and regional politics as well as Africa’s evolving position within an international political arena. Overarching themes addressed in the module include: nationalist resistance and decolonization; theories of the African state; African political economy and models of development; African relations with former colonial and new emerging powers; authoritarianism and democratization; peace and conflict; gender and human rights; the challenges of urbanization; and climate change, among other themes. While much of the module focuses on more contemporary political developments, it contextualises these in relation to Africa’s colonial and post-colonial history. The module also approaches each theme from multiple angles. Sometimes this means emphasising the actions of statesmen and political elites, both on the national and international stage. Sometimes it means adopting a more 'bottom-up' perspective, privileging the voice of marginalised or overlooked groups be they urban labourers, rural smallholder farmers, women’s rights activists, LGBTQ+ activists, musicians, or migrants and refugees. An exploration of these varied themes and focal areas will expand students understanding of the complexities of African politics, its historical roots, and future avenues for political change.
Target Students
Available to Final Year UG students in the School of Politics and International Relations on single and joint honours plans. Also available to Final Year UG students on the Philosophy, Politics and Economics plan, and incoming exchange students based in the School of Politics and International Relations.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 1: 1,500-word news analysis
- 60% Coursework 2: 2,500-word essay
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to: • Give students a broad understanding of African domestic and regional politics as well as Africa’s evolving position within an international political arena.• Familiarise students with a range of specific themes including: nationalist resistance and decolonization; theories of the African state; and African political economy and models of development.• Ensure students grasp the complexities of African politics, its historical roots, and future avenues for political change.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
a) Theoretical knowledge about social, political and economic dynamics in Africa
b) Empirical knowledge about social, political and economic dynamics in Africa
c) Attainment of insights into the complexities of state and social relations in Africa
Intellectual skills
a) Ability to critically engage with information pertaining to Africa
b) Ability to situate this information within a broader context
Transferable skills
a) Essay writing skills
b) Critical thinking skills
Professional and practical skills
a) Development of independent learning skills such as conducting primary research with news sources and engaging in research using secondary sources.