Skip to main content
NounStudy
Back to Course Catalog
INR112Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Law And Diplomacy In Pre-Colonial Africa

This course introduces students to international law and diplomacy in pre-colonial Africa. It explores interstate laws, diplomatic practices, and their origins. The course compares pre-colonial African systems with modern international law, covering topics such as treaties, dispute settlement, and diplomatic matters. Students will gain insights into the historical context and evolution of international relations in Africa.

Generate AI Study Notes

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

40h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
International LawDiplomacyPre-colonial AfricaInterstate RelationsAfrican History

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Origin of International Law

2

Pre-colonial African Society

3

Modern International Law

4

Diplomacy

5

Settlement of Disputes

6

Laws of War

7

Power and Capabilities

Total Topics7 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 Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Relations Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Legal Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentInternational OrganizationsNon-Governmental OrganizationsLaw FirmsAcademia

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

2h

Unit 1: Discourse on Africa as the Origin of Humanity

2 study hours
  • •Read the introduction to understand the scope of the unit.
  • •Study the theories on the origin of man.
  • •Examine the evidences supporting Africa as the origin of humanity.
  • •Complete self-assessment exercises.
Week
2

Module 1:

2h

Unit 2: The Nature of Pre-colonial African society

2 study hours
  • •Study the economic activities in pre-colonial Africa.
  • •Understand the role of trust, reputation, and extended family.
  • •Examine the political and territorial aspects of pre-colonial Africa.
  • •Complete self-assessment exercises.
Week
3

Module 1:

2h

Unit 3: Municipal Law in Pre-colonial African societies

2 study hours
  • •Examine the sources of municipal law in pre-colonial Africa.
  • •Understand the institutions and structures of law.
  • •Study the checks and balances in pre-colonial African societies.
  • •Complete self-assessment exercises.
Week
4

Module 1:

2h

Unit 4: Cross-Boundary Interactions in Pre-colonial Africa

2 study hours
  • •Study the economic interactions in pre-colonial Africa.
  • •Understand the political and cultural exchanges.
  • •Examine the social interactions across boundaries.
  • •Complete self-assessment exercises.
Week
5

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: Sources of Pre-colonial Africa International Law

2 study hours
  • •Study the municipal laws as a source of international law.
  • •Understand the role of religious practices.
  • •Examine the influence of myths and belief systems.
  • •Understand the role of conventions.
  • •Complete self-assessment exercises.
Week
6

Module 2:

2h

Unit 2: Laws of War in Pre-colonial Africa

2 study hours
  • •Study the protection of places of worship.
  • •Understand the treatment of prisoners of war.
  • •Examine the protection of children, elderly, and women.
  • •Complete self-assessment exercises.
Week
7

Module 2:

2h

Unit 3: The Nature of Modern International Law

2 study hours
  • •Study the origin of modern international law.
  • •Understand the effects of the World Wars.
  • •Examine recent developments in international law.
  • •Complete self-assessment exercises.
Week
8

Module 2:

2h

Unit 4: Sources of Modern International Law

2 study hours
  • •Study the sources of modern international law.
  • •Understand the role of treaties and conventions.
  • •Examine the performance of international law in the African context.
  • •Complete self-assessment exercises.
Week
9

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: Classical Scholars of International Law

2 study hours
  • •Study the contributions of Hugo Grotius.
  • •Understand the works of Richard Zouche.
  • •Examine the contributions of Samuel Pufendorf.
  • •Study the contributions of Emerich de Vattel.
  • •Complete self-assessment exercises.
Week
10

Module 3:

4h

Unit 2: Settlement of International Disputes

2 study hours
  • •Study the process of negotiation and consultation.
  • •Understand the role of mediation.
  • •Examine the process of conciliation.
  • •Understand the concept of 'Good Offices'.
  • •Complete self-assessment exercises.

Unit 3: Recognition of States in Modern International Law

2 study hours
  • •Study the types of recognition.
  • •Understand the recognition of government.
  • •Examine the different views on recognition.
  • •Complete self-assessment exercises.
Week
11

Module 3:

2h

Unit 4: Jurisdiction of States in Modern International Law

2 study hours
  • •Study the concept of territoriality.
  • •Understand the jurisdiction over the seas.
  • •Examine the principle of legal equality.
  • •Understand the concept of sovereignty.
  • •Complete self-assessment exercises.
Week
12

Module 4:

4h

Unit 1: Contending Schools of Thought in Modern International Law

2 study hours
  • •Study Monism and Dualism/Pluralism.
  • •Understand Positivism.
  • •Examine Naturalism/Moralism.
  • •Study Utopianism.
  • •Understand Idealism.
  • •Complete self-assessment exercises.

Unit 2: Understanding Diplomacy

2 study hours
  • •Study the origin of diplomacy.
  • •Understand the techniques of diplomacy.
  • •Examine the mechanisms of diplomacy.
  • •Study the institutions of diplomacy.
  • •Complete self-assessment exercises.
Week
13

Module 4:

4h

Unit 3: Who is a Diplomat?

2 study hours
  • •Study the role of the Head of State/Government.
  • •Understand the role of the Foreign Secretary/Minister.
  • •Examine the qualifications of a diplomat.
  • •Understand the functions of a diplomat.
  • •Study the relevance of a diplomat.
  • •Complete self-assessment exercises.

Unit 4: Historical Evolution of Pre-colonial Diplomacy

2 study hours
  • •Study the dynamics of pre-colonial diplomacy.
  • •Understand the mechanisms of pre-colonial diplomacy.
  • •Examine the institutions of pre-colonial diplomacy.
  • •Study the structures of pre-colonial diplomacy.
  • •Complete self-assessment exercises.

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

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed summaries of each unit, focusing on key concepts and definitions.

2

Develop flashcards for important terms and historical figures.

3

Practice essay questions related to the course topics, focusing on comparing pre-colonial and modern approaches.

4

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and incorporate feedback into your study notes.

5

Create timelines of key events and developments in international law and diplomacy in Africa.

6

Focus on understanding the core principles of international law and their application in real-world scenarios.

7

Practice analyzing case studies related to international disputes and diplomatic negotiations.

Related Courses

Other courses in Social Sciences that complement your learning

POL111

Elements Of Political Science

3 Units
FMC113

History Of Film And Cinema

2 Units
PHL102

Ancient Philosophy

2 Units
View All Social Sciences Courses