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DES417Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Development Trends in Africa

This course provides an in-depth understanding of development trends in Africa, covering demographic, economic, technological, urban, and socio-political transitions. It explores the historical context from pre-colonialism to post-colonialism, examining economic relations, development strategies, and key drivers. The course also assesses the impact of loans, foreign direct investment, and regional cooperation, while addressing challenges such as corruption and conflict. It aims to equip students with a comprehensive view of development issues in Africa.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Development TrendsAfricaColonialismEconomic RelationsDevelopment Strategies

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Concepts of Development

2

Colonialism and Post-Colonialism

3

Economic Relations

4

Development Strategies

5

Key Drivers of Development

6

Regional Cooperation

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Development Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Development Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Project Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)International Development AgenciesResearch InstitutionsFinancial Institutions

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

MODULE ONE: Contemporary Transformations and Development in Africa

2h

Unit 1: Concept and Principles of Development in Africa

2 study hours
  • •Understand the various definitions of development trends.
  • •Analyze the impact of megatrends and setting on African development.
Week
2

MODULE ONE: Contemporary Transformations and Development in Africa

2h

Unit 2: Pre-colonialism, Colonialism and Post-Colonialism

2 study hours
  • •Examine the historical context of colonialism in Africa.
  • •Discuss the activities of King Leopold II and the Berlin Conference.
  • •Analyze the political centralization and administrative structures during colonial rule.
Week
3

MODULE ONE: Contemporary Transformations and Development in Africa

2h

Unit 3: The Nature of Economic Relations between African States and the rest of the world

2 study hours
  • •Analyze the economic relations between African states and the rest of the world.
  • •Discuss the major theoretical issues in these economic relations.
  • •Classify the theoretical perspectives of African development.
Week
4

MODULE ONE: Contemporary Transformations and Development in Africa

2h

Unit 4: African Theories of Development

2 study hours
  • •Explore African theories of development.
  • •Understand the historical background of Africa's development.
  • •List and discuss the major enablers of colonialism in Africa.
Week
5

MODULE TWO: Global Trends: Paradox of Progress in Africa

2h

Unit 1: Appraisal of Development Strategies and Performance in Africa

2 study hours
  • •Define development strategies and plans.
  • •Examine African economic performance and development experiences.
  • •Analyze trade and development strategies, including the Lagos Plan and the World Bank Plan.
Week
6

MODULE TWO: Global Trends: Paradox of Progress in Africa

2h

Unit 2: Comparative Analysis of Development Experiences in selected African Countries

2 study hours
  • •Understand the concept of comparative analysis.
  • •Examine the industrial development and per capita income levels of selected African countries.
  • •Analyze the impact of colonialism and ethnicity on the legal systems of African states.
Week
7

MODULE TWO: Global Trends: Paradox of Progress in Africa

2h

Unit 3: Key Drivers of Development in Africa

2 study hours
  • •Identify and explain the key drivers of development in Africa.
  • •Assess the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainable development.
  • •Analyze the performance of Africa in human development indices.
Week
8

MODULE TWO: Global Trends: Paradox of Progress in Africa

2h

Unit 4: Leadership Institutions and Governance of Infrastructures in Africa

2 study hours
  • •Understand the interplay of political leadership on economic development in Africa.
  • •Grasp the conception of leadership to include institutional governance.
  • •Analyze the relationship between leadership and failed states in Africa.
Week
9

MODULE THREE: Trends in Development Finance and Organizations for Regional Cooperation in Africa

2h

Unit 1: Trade, Imperialism and its implications on development crisis in Africa

2 study hours
  • •Analyze the implications of trade and imperialism on the development crisis in Africa.
  • •Understand the historical context of trade relations and their impact on African economies.
  • •Examine the role of multinational corporations and their influence on African development.
Week
10

MODULE THREE: Trends in Development Finance and Organizations for Regional Cooperation in Africa

2h

Unit 2: Burden of Loan/Debt on Africa

2 study hours
  • •Assess the burden of loan and debt on Africa.
  • •Understand the causes and consequences of debt accumulation in African countries.
  • •Examine the role of international financial institutions and their impact on African economies.
Week
11

MODULE THREE: Trends in Development Finance and Organizations for Regional Cooperation in Africa

2h

Unit 3: African financial institutions, corruption, conflict and Regional economic development

2 study hours
  • •Analyze the role of African financial institutions in regional economic development.
  • •Understand the impact of corruption and conflict on financial institutions.
  • •Examine the challenges and opportunities for regional economic integration.
Week
12

MODULE THREE: Trends in Development Finance and Organizations for Regional Cooperation in Africa

2h

Unit 4: Recent trends in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Africa's export Portfolio

2 study hours
  • •Understand the recent trends in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Africa's export portfolio.
  • •Analyze the factors influencing FDI flows to African countries.
  • •Examine the impact of FDI on economic growth and development.
Week
13

MODULE THREE: Trends in Development Finance and Organizations for Regional Cooperation in Africa

4h

Final Revision and Exam Preparation

4 study hours
  • •Review all units and modules.
  • •Prepare for final examination.
  • •Complete any outstanding assignments.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all unit objectives and ensure you can address each one.

2

Create concept maps linking key themes across modules.

3

Practice answering past TMA questions under timed conditions.

4

Focus on understanding the different theoretical perspectives and their implications.

5

Pay close attention to case studies of specific African countries and their development experiences.

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