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INR132Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

International Politics Of Africa

This course explores the historical relationship between Africa and the West, examining interactions from pre-colonial times to the present. It covers the impact of colonialism, the Cold War rivalry, and the emerging new world order on African states. The course also delves into the political and economic dynamics shaping Africa's place in global affairs, fostering a deeper understanding of the continent's complex relations with Western powers.

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200h
Study Time
13
Weeks
15h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
AfricaWestColonialismCold WarGlobalization

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

Pre-colonial African societies

2

The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade

3

European Imperialism and Colonialism

4

African Nationalism and Independence Movements

5

The Cold War in Africa

6

Globalization and its impact on Africa

7

The Organisation of African Unity (OAU)/African Union (AU)

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 assessments

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 Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Journalist

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

Government and Public ServiceInternational OrganizationsNon-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)Academia and ResearchMedia and Journalism

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Africa before and after Partition

7h

Unit 1: Origin of Africa

4 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Origin of Africa, focusing on European, Arab, and African perspectives on African history.
  • •Identify evidence of Africa's past and its contribution to world civilization.
  • •Reflect on the impact of historical narratives on understanding Africa's identity.

Unit 2: Slave Trade

3 study hours
  • •Explore Unit 2: Slave Trade, examining its origins, reasons, and impact on Africa.
  • •Analyze the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and its consequences for African societies.
  • •Discuss the ethical and economic dimensions of the slave trade.
Week
2

Module 1: Africa before and after Partition

10h

Unit 3: Abolition of Slave Trade

4 study hours
  • •Study Unit 3: Abolition of Slave Trade, focusing on the reasons and resistance to abolition.
  • •Examine the role of the British Parliament and the establishment of slave settlements.
  • •Discuss the political implications of the new trade dynamics.

Unit 4: European Imperialism

3 study hours
  • •Analyze Unit 4: European Imperialism, exploring political, strategic, and economic factors.
  • •Assess the results and effects of imperialism on European relations.
  • •Consider the long-term consequences of imperialism on African societies.

Unit 5: Partition of Africa

3 study hours
  • •Review Unit 5: Partition of Africa, focusing on the origin of the scramble and the Berlin Conference.
  • •Examine the final partition and its impact on African states.
  • •Discuss the legacy of arbitrary borders and its implications for contemporary Africa.
Week
3

Module 2: Colonial Administration

7h

Unit 1: The beginning of Colonial Rule

4 study hours
  • •Study Unit 1: The Beginning of Colonial Rule, focusing on the characteristics and problems of colonialism.
  • •Analyze the emergence of the colonial system and its impact on African societies.
  • •Discuss the challenges faced by colonial administrations.

Unit 2: British Administration in the Colonies

3 study hours
  • •Explore Unit 2: British Administration in the Colonies, examining the administrative structure and its challenges.
  • •Analyze the introduction of direct and indirect rule in different regions.
  • •Discuss the impact of British administration on Nigerian society.
Week
4

Module 2: Colonial Administration

7h

Unit 3: French Administration in the Colonies

4 study hours
  • •Study Unit 3: French Administration in the Colonies, focusing on the administrative structures and problems.
  • •Analyze the impact of French administration on West African societies.
  • •Discuss the differences between British and French colonial approaches.

Unit 4: Colonial Administration in South Africa

3 study hours
  • •Explore Unit 4: Colonial Administration in South Africa, examining the early period and colonial rule.
  • •Analyze the unification process and its implications.
  • •Discuss the impact of colonial administration on South African society.
Week
5

Module 2: Colonial Administration

4h

Unit 5: Colonial Administration in North Africa

4 study hours
  • •Study Unit 5: Colonial Administration in North Africa, focusing on colonial rule in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.
  • •Analyze the impact of colonial administration on North African societies.
  • •Discuss the differences between French and other colonial approaches in North Africa.
Week
6

Module 3: Impact of World War II on Africa

4h

Unit 1: The Impact of Second World War on African Politics

4 study hours
  • •Study Unit 1: The Impact of Second World War on African Politics, focusing on the war's effects and decolonization.
  • •Analyze the impact of the war on African societies and political movements.
  • •Discuss the factors that led to decolonization in Africa.
Week
7

Module 3: Impact of World War II on Africa

4h

Unit 2: The Emergence of Elite in Africa

4 study hours
  • •Explore Unit 2: The Emergence of Elite in Africa, examining the early and new elite.
  • •Analyze the role of colonial policies and the impact of the elite on emerging nations.
  • •Discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by the new elite.
Week
8

Module 3: Impact of World War II on Africa

4h

Unit 3: Nationalist Movements in West Africa

4 study hours
  • •Study Unit 3: Nationalist Movements in West Africa, focusing on movements in British and French West Africa.
  • •Analyze the factors that led to the rise of nationalist movements.
  • •Discuss the strategies and challenges faced by nationalist leaders.
Week
9

Module 3: Impact of World War II on Africa

7h

Unit 4: Road to Independence in Northern Africa Nations

4 study hours
  • •Explore Unit 4: Road to Independence in Northern Africa Nations, examining the paths to independence in Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria.
  • •Analyze the factors that shaped the independence movements in each country.
  • •Discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by the newly independent nations.

Unit 5: Road to Independence in South Africa

3 study hours
  • •Study Unit 5: Road to Independence in South Africa, focusing on the rise of white aristocracy, African nationalism, and the apartheid regime.
  • •Analyze the impact of the Second World War and the black nationalist movement.
  • •Discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by the newly independent South Africa.
Week
10

Module 4: East, West Rivalry and Africa

7h

Unit 1: Cold War Era

4 study hours
  • •Study Unit 1: Cold War Era, focusing on the beginning and aftermath of the Cold War.
  • •Analyze the impact of the Cold War on Africa and Nigeria's role in international relations.
  • •Discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by African nations during the Cold War.

Unit 2: United Nations Organisation and Africa

3 study hours
  • •Explore Unit 2: United Nations Organisation and Africa, examining the UN agencies and functions.
  • •Analyze the impact of the UN on Africa and the role of Nigeria in the UN.
  • •Discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by African nations within the UN framework.
Week
11

Module 4: East, West Rivalry and Africa

10h

Unit 3: International Relations after 1945 and Establishment of OAU

4 study hours
  • •Study Unit 3: International Relations after 1945 and Establishment of OAU, focusing on international trade and new economic problems.
  • •Analyze the formation of the OAU and its problems.
  • •Discuss the transition to the African Union (AU).

Unit 4: Coups and Civil Wars in Africa

3 study hours
  • •Explore Unit 4: Coups and Civil Wars in Africa, examining the causes and impact of coups and civil wars.
  • •Analyze the role of the West in these conflicts.
  • •Discuss the challenges and opportunities for peace and stability in Africa.

Unit 5: Globalisation and Africa

3 study hours
  • •Study Unit 5: Globalisation and Africa, focusing on the effects and challenges of globalization.
  • •Analyze the problems and consequences of globalization for African states.
  • •Discuss the opportunities for African nations to benefit from globalization.
Week
12

Module 1: Africa before and after Partition

6h

Module 1 Review

6 study hours
  • •Review Module 1: Africa before and after Partition
  • •Focus on the origin of Africa, slave trade, abolition of slave trade, European imperialism and partition of Africa.
  • •Prepare for assignments and tutor-marked assignments.
Week
13

Module 2: Colonial Administration, Module 3: Impact of World War II on Africa and Module 4: East, West Rivalry and Africa

6h

Modules 2-4 Review

6 study hours
  • •Review Module 2: Colonial Administration, Module 3: Impact of World War II on Africa and Module 4: East, West Rivalry and Africa
  • •Focus on the beginning of colonial rule, the impact of the Second World War on African politics, the cold war era, and the United Nations Organisation and Africa.
  • •Prepare for assignments and tutor-marked 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

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create timelines outlining key events in African history, from pre-colonial times to the present.

2

Develop comparative charts analyzing the different colonial administrations (British, French, Portuguese) and their impacts.

3

Outline the key figures in African nationalist movements and their contributions.

4

Summarize the main arguments for and against globalization and its effects on Africa.

5

Practice essay questions on the major themes of the course, focusing on critical analysis and synthesis of information.

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