About the Course

It is a great time to study African politics! In recent years sub -Saharan Africa has undergone far-reaching political, social and economic changes. These changes challenge the conventional image of Africa as a failed continent and make Africa one of the most rewarding world regions to study. As such, the course explores the nature and character of African politics, under the three dominant historical phases namely, pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial stages; European colonialism and its impact on African politics; the mobilization for nationalist activities and their implications for independence as well as the nature and character of the state in post-colonial Africa are also considered. Other important issues to be examined include the politics of national integration, the role of political parties in nation-building, political integration and military intervention in politics. 

Requirement 

The only prerequisite for this course is an open and inquisitive mind. The course will involve the combined readings of books, book chapters, news articles, journal articles and links to youtube documentary videos (some of which I have already shared with you on the class WhatsApp group page). Most of the readings are general sources intended to acquaint you with a set of issues. Other readings will be made available electronically or better still, you will be pointed to where you can download soft copies for further readings. Students are advised to do all required readings before each class, such that they can come to class ready to discuss the materials. Class meetings will always be interactive and discursive. There will be one group project during the semester. These exercises will allow you to take ownership of the knowledge (both individually and in a team context) that you will gain in the course of the teaching. The group projects will be presented in one of the classes while other students will be given the opportunity to critique the work (we hope this lockdown will be over soon for us to do this). In addition to the individual and group assignments, students will be required to sit for a midterm examination before the end of the semester examination.