Development Trends in Africa
- Social Sciences
- 400 level
- 2 credit units
- 103 pages
- 6 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of DES417, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
DES417 · UNIT 1: BASIC CONCEPT AND PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPMENT TRENDS IN AFRICA
The Table presented below indicates the units, number of weeks and assignments to be taken by you to successfully complete the course, Development Trends in Africa (DES 417).
What you should be able to do
- Understand the concepts and principles of development trends in Africa.
- Describe the development trend of Africa from Pre-colonialism, Colonialism and Post-Colonialism era.
- Understand the Nature of Economic Relations between African States and the rest of the world.
- Appraise the Development Strategies and Performance of African States.
- Examine Key Drivers of Development in Africa.
What it prepares you for
- Development Consultant
- Policy Analyst
- International Development Officer
- Research Analyst
- Project Manager
- Government
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- International Development Agencies
- Research Institutions
- Financial Institutions
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- MODULE TWO: Global Trends: Paradox of Progress in Africa
Unit 2: Comparative Analysis of Development Experiences in selected African Countries
Requires understanding of complex statistical data and economic indicators to assess development progress.
- MODULE THREE: Trends in Development Finance and Organizations for Regional Cooperation in Africa
Unit 2: Burden of Loan/Debt on Africa
Involves analyzing intricate financial instruments and macroeconomic policies that influence debt sustainability.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1MODULE ONE: Contemporary Transformations and Development in Africa
Unit 1: Concept and Principles of Development in Africa · 2 hours
Understand the various definitions of development trends.. Analyze the impact of megatrends and setting on African development..
- Week 2MODULE ONE: Contemporary Transformations and Development in Africa
Unit 2: Pre-colonialism, Colonialism and Post-Colonialism · 2 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 3MODULE ONE: Contemporary Transformations and Development in Africa
Unit 3: The Nature of Economic Relations between African States and the rest of the world · 2 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 4MODULE ONE: Contemporary Transformations and Development in Africa
Unit 4: African Theories of Development · 2 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 5MODULE TWO: Global Trends: Paradox of Progress in Africa
Unit 1: Appraisal of Development Strategies and Performance in Africa · 2 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 6MODULE TWO: Global Trends: Paradox of Progress in Africa
Unit 2: Comparative Analysis of Development Experiences in selected African Countries · 2 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 7MODULE TWO: Global Trends: Paradox of Progress in Africa
Unit 3: Key Drivers of Development in Africa · 2 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 8MODULE TWO: Global Trends: Paradox of Progress in Africa
Unit 4: Leadership Institutions and Governance of Infrastructures in Africa · 2 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 9MODULE THREE: Trends in Development Finance and Organizations for Regional Cooperation in Africa
Unit 1: Trade, Imperialism and its implications on development crisis in Africa · 2 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 10MODULE THREE: Trends in Development Finance and Organizations for Regional Cooperation in Africa
Unit 2: Burden of Loan/Debt on Africa · 2 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 11MODULE THREE: Trends in Development Finance and Organizations for Regional Cooperation in Africa
Unit 3: African financial institutions, corruption, conflict and Regional economic development · 2 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 12MODULE THREE: Trends in Development Finance and Organizations for Regional Cooperation in Africa
Unit 4: Recent trends in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Africa's export Portfolio · 2 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 13MODULE THREE: Trends in Development Finance and Organizations for Regional Cooperation in Africa
Final Revision and Exam Preparation · 4 hours
Review all units and modules.. Prepare for final examination.. Complete any outstanding assignments..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all unit objectives and ensure you can address each one.
- Create concept maps linking key themes across modules.
- Practice answering past TMA questions under timed conditions.
- Focus on understanding the different theoretical perspectives and their implications.
- Pay close attention to case studies of specific African countries and their development experiences.
Questions students ask about this course
What is DES417 about?
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.
How many units does DES417 have?
DES417, Development Trends in Africa, has 6 units across 2 modules, over 103 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is DES417?
DES417 carries 2 credit units, at 400 level in Social Sciences.
Is DES417 hard?
DES417 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does DES417 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 6 units.
How is DES417 assessed?
DES417 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with DES417?
Development Consultant, Policy Analyst, International Development Officer, Research Analyst and Project Manager.