GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

This course aims to introduce the students to key important concepts, themes, and approaches of politics in Africa. This course has, among others, objectives such as: a) to create awareness and an understanding of major issues of African politics, and b) to familiarise the students with the approaches and theories applied by political scientists in analysing the political development in Africa.

This course will focus on building academic skills by encouraging students to acquire analytical skills on a variety of issues in the discipline of political science through the study of politics in Africa. Furthermore, students will be exposed to readings and discussions that will develop and enhance academic reading and writing skills in social sciences with an aim to create interest in doing research in social issues. Overall, this course will also encourage students to create interest and inclinations towards Africa related issues including areas beyond politics in order to expand students capacity for wider course selection and career prospects.

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3” and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

This course will focus on building an academic exchange and discussions on each week's thematic areas. As an exercise to help students acquire reading and comprehension skills for academic articles, students will be expected to submit 5 key terms and 1 thesis statement from each assigned reading. The key terms and thesis statement will form the basis for in-class discussions. Students are also expected to familiarise themselves with the contemporary political discourse in Africa via BBC Focus on Africa. Although the instructor will use most of the time to explain the content of the class, students are encouraged to bear in mind that the style of the class is not a monologue, but a discussion format. Students input will be through class discussions and research based essay during the evaluation.
For all written assignments, students will receive written feedback with corrections and recommendations from the instructor. Students are also encouraged to consult the instructor after the class session (the instructor will be available for 30 minutes after class), or make an appointment through email.

あり / Yes

あり / Yes

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Introduction I

Africa in global political discourse:
How is Africa talked about in the global political discourse, and how should we talk about Africa?

2[対面/face to face]：Introduction II

Africa is not a country series. Countries, capitals, people groups, languages, historical and contemporary political development.

3[対面/face to face]：Introduction III

The African political thought.

4[対面/face to face]：Colonialism and Post-Colonial Legacy

The purpose of colonialism: outcomes of Berlin Conference, origin of the state in Africa, role of the African educated elites in colonial rule and national liberation.

5[対面/face to face]：The African Political Ideology and Identity

State capitalism. African nationalism, ethnicity, and social class.

6[対面/face to face]：Political Parties, Elections, and Democracy

Rise of multiparty democracy in Africa. Role of clientelism, and ethnicity in multiparty political systems in Africa.

7[対面/face to face]：Political Protest and Revolt

African civil wars. Military coup d'état in post-independent African states. Conflicts resolution and peace building.

8[対面/face to face]：Review & Mid-term

In-class examination.

9[対面/face to face]：Africa and International Politics

Economic and political relations. The new scramble for Africa.

10[対面/face to face]：Continental, Regional Cooperation, and External Bilateral Relations

Intra-African relations (AU, SADC, ECOWAS, and NEPAD). Pan-Africanism and regional integration.
Former colonial rulers and the European Union, USA, and the international organisations.Case study: African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA)

11[対面/face to face]：China and India in Africa

The African resource question.
Case study: Forum on China - Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

12[対面/face to face]：Japan in Africa

Foreign aid policy and the TICAD process.
Case study: TICAD IV-VII.

13[対面/face to face]：Politics, theories, and models of development in Africa

How the youthful population in Africa is becoming key actor in ICT revolution and new investments models. M-Pesa revolution in Kenya.

14[対面/face to face]：End-term

End-term evaluation report.

In order for the students to participate and express thought in class and in written examinations, they need to make adequate preparations. Students are advised to observe 2-3 hours preparatory study and review time for this class. The instructor will issue guiding questions at the end of every class for the next reading. Attempting to answer these questions will help the students to grasp the main theme of assigned readings. At least twice in the semester, students will be asked to watch recommended news items and documentaries outside of class.

The following texts books will be reserved in the library for students' reference. Those who can manage to purchase the books are encouraged to do so.
Thomson, A. (2016). An introduction to African politics (4th ed.). London: Routledge.

Englebert, P., & Dunn, K. (2014). Inside African politics. Cape Town: UCT Press.

A wide range of diverse materials and recommended readings will be provided in class for every session.

10% Identification of key terms and the main claim of the assigned readings.
40% Pop Quizzes.
25% Mid-Term Examination.
25% End-Term Evaluation Report.

The purpose of pop quizzes is to enhance students' comprehension of key concepts covered in the class in addition to preparing them for mid and end term exams. There will be five pop quizzes. The dates and timing for the pop quizzes will not be disclosed to the students. Out of the five pop quizzes, only the top four will be used for grading. Pop quizzes will be ten short answer identification questions that will cover the contents discussed in the class.

Both mid term and end term evaluation will be a reflection on the topics we have covered in class emphasising the context, causes, and consequences of political themes from the lecture materials and required readings. Whereas the preview of the questions will not be encouraged, the theme for essays will be given before hand to allow students to make prior research.

The size of the class will be considerably reduced to facilitate meaningful discussions.

Students' personal learning materials such as A4 folders, pens, and pencils.

None.