Introduction To Law And Diplomacy In Pre-Colonial Africa

1. Identify the different forms of interaction in pre-colonial Africa
2. Understand how international law and diplomacy developed in Africa
3. Understand the role of trust, reputation, and the extended family in the interactions
4. Identify the different processes of international law
5. Understand the evolution of modern International law
6. Know the sources of modern international law

13 weeks, about 32 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1:

   • Unit 1: Discourse on Africa as the Origin of Humanity · 2 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..

2. Week 2Module 1:

   • Unit 2: The Nature of Pre-colonial African society · 2 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..

3. Week 3Module 1:

   • Unit 3: Municipal Law in Pre-colonial African societies · 2 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..

4. Week 4Module 1:

   • Unit 4: Cross-Boundary Interactions in Pre-colonial Africa · 2 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..

5. Week 5Module 2:

   • Unit 1: Sources of Pre-colonial Africa International Law · 2 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..

6. Week 6Module 2:

   • Unit 2: Laws of War in Pre-colonial Africa · 2 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..

7. Week 7Module 2:

   • Unit 3: The Nature of Modern International Law · 2 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..

8. Week 8Module 2:

   • Unit 4: Sources of Modern International Law · 2 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..

9. Week 9Module 3:

   • Unit 1: Classical Scholars of International Law · 2 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..

10. Week 10Module 3:

    • Unit 2: Settlement of International Disputes · 2 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 hours

      Study the types of recognition.. Understand the recognition of government.. Examine the different views on recognition.. Complete self-assessment exercises..

11. Week 11Module 3:

    • Unit 4: Jurisdiction of States in Modern International Law · 2 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..

12. Week 12Module 4:

    • Unit 1: Contending Schools of Thought in Modern International Law · 2 hours

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

    • Unit 2: Understanding Diplomacy · 2 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..

13. Week 13Module 4:

    • Unit 3: Who is a Diplomat? · 2 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 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..