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Course Details
Fall 2012-2013
Course books
Evaluation* POL 366 (SA)
Politics in Africa
This course provides an introduction to the study of African politics. The lectures and readings briefly review the social and historical context of contemporary political life. They then profile the changes of the early post-Independence period, the authoritarian turn of the 1970s and 80s, the second liberation of the 1990s, and problems of war, state-building, and development. Although the lectures trace a narrative, each also introduces a major analytical debate and an important policy problem. Broadly comparative with some special attention to selected countries.
Sample reading list:
Bates, Markets & States in Tropical Africa
Sen, Poverty & Famines
Achebe, Anthills of the Savannah
Herbst, States and Power in Africa
Widner, Building the Rule of Law
Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
See instructor for complete list
Reading/Writing assignments:
Uses history, biography, film, and novels as well as more conventional political science texts. The reading load varies with the type of material but generally runs 150-200 pages per week. Writing assignments are short papers that focus on data analysis, legal reasoning, and other important skills. Each paper counts 20%.
Requirements/Grading:
Final Exam - 25%
Quizzes - 5%
Papers - 60%
Class/Precept Participation - 10%
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
No previous knowledge of Africa is required..
Other information:
Films available outside of class time.
Schedule/Classroom assignment:
| Class number | Section | Time | Days | Room | Enrollment | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21720 | L01 | 9:00 am - 9:50 am | T Th | McCormick Hall 101 | Enrolled:58 Limit: | |
| P01 | 10:00 am - 10:50 am | Th | McCormick Hall 272 | Enrolled:14 Limit:14 | ||
| P02 | 11:00 am - 11:50 am | T | Corwin Hall 126 | Enrolled:10 Limit:14 | ||
| P03 | 10:00 am - 10:50 am | T | Corwin Hall 126 | Enrolled:13 Limit:14 | ||
| 23623 | P04 | 11:00 am - 11:50 am | Th | Enrolled:0 Limit:0 | Canceled | |
| P05 | 12:30 pm - 1:20 pm | T | Robertson Hall 008 | Enrolled:8 Limit:14 | ||
| P06 | 1:30 pm - 2:20 pm | T | Robertson Hall 008 | Enrolled:8 Limit:14 |