POSC 383 - Contemporary Africa

3 credits
3 hours per week.

This course surveys political developments in Africa from colonialism to the present. It explores economic and political changes in Africa, and seeks answers to Africa’s underdevelopment, corruption, political decay, and one-party rule. It traces the evolution and development of independent states in Africa and explores the major issues in African politics broadly. Its scope is the entire African continent and surrounding islands (not just “Sub-Saharan Africa”). It discusses post-colonial analytical concepts and theories, social and political structures, institutions, domestic and international political dynamics and challenges, and the future prospects of African states. The course also discusses ways in which African countries have attempted to construct viable political and economic systems within constraining domestic and international environments. The legacy of colonial subjugation and the inherited economic and political arrangements will be examined to help understand these constraints and the various attempts to overcome them. Also, the relationship among African states as well as their place and role in the global system will be discussed.

Offered (FALL/SPRING)