| as of 7/2/2022 |
HISTORY AND POLITICAL SYSTEMS OF CONTEMPORARY AFRICA |
| Country - Partner Institution - Programs: | Italy - University of Bologna - 'Univ. of Bologna' |
| UC Course Subject | Political Science
Anthropology
History
African Studies |
| Number & Suffix: | 138 B |
| Full UC Title: | HISTORY AND POLITICAL SYSTEMS OF CONTEMPORARY AFRICA |
| Transcript Title: | COMTEMP AFRICA:POL |
| UC QTR Units - Division: | 5.0 - Upper Division |
| Course Description: | Students who complete a term paper are awarded one extra unit for each part. Total units possible for both parts are 10. The course focuses on the fundamental issues of the political and social history of contemporary Africa. Emphasis is placed on the colonial period, decolonization paths, and the processes and dynamics involved in independent state formation. Using an appropriate methodological apparatus, the course highlights the formation of the main political systems on the African continent, and especially the relationship with international politics and the political and developmental crises of the last decades. The course addresses the evolution of African political systems from the last phases of the pre-colonial period up through the contemporary period. Particular attention is placed on sub-Saharan Africa. The course has two parts: A and B. Students must take both parts. No partial credit is possible. Part A focuses on Africa’s history in the 19th and 20th centuries. Part A discusses topics including the end of the slave trade, the development of international trade, the colonial penetration, and the scramble for Africa by European powers; the main characteristics of the various colonial administrations and the impact of colonial domination on African societies; the decolonization process in the changing international context after World War II; the independences of African states, the nation-state, and the different policies and ideologies of the independent governments; the debate on the heritage of the colonial State; and the crises of the African State and economic development policies. Part B focuses on Africa’s political systems. Part B discusses topics including the political and economic reforms of the 1980s and 1990s; democracy, the fight against poverty, and conflicts in post-cold war Africa; the challenges of the third millennium; and recent and current events. The course includes weekly lectures and in class discussions of pertinent issues related to the topics presented. A special introductory section is devoted to the use of internet in the study of African history and its political systems. Slides and maps are also included. Assessment is based on a final oral examination. |
| Language of Instruction: | Italian
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| Partner Title: | STORIA E SISTEMI POLITICI DELL'AFRICA CONTEMPORANEA |
| Partner University Department: | Scienze politiche, sociali e internazionali |
| Partner University Course Number: | 86976 |