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INR431Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

International Relations Of Francophone West Africa

This course examines the international relations of Francophone West Africa, focusing on the historical relationship between France and its former colonies. It analyzes the policies of assimilation and association, exploring their impact on the socio-political economy of the region. The course also investigates the role of French capital, security issues, and the formation of regional organizations. Furthermore, it discusses the French Commonwealth and its influence on development and cooperation in West Africa.

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208h

Study Time

13

Weeks

16h

Per Week

basic

Math Level

Course Keywords

Francophone West AfricaFranceColonialismNeocolonialismInternational Relations

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

Assimilation and Association Policies

2

French Colonialism in West Africa

3

Economic Relations between France and FWA

4

Security Issues and Military Intervention

5

Regional Organizations in FWA

6

French Commonwealth (La Francophonie)

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

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Relations Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Advisor

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Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Government and DiplomacyInternational OrganizationsNon-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)Research and AcademiaMedia and Journalism

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: International Relations of French West Africa in the nineteenth century

2h

Unit 1: Assimilation and Association in French West Africa (FWA)

2 study hours

•Read about the definition of assimilation and association.
•Discuss the historical causes that brought about the assimilation and association policies
•Identify the impact of assimilation and association on the traditional system in FWA.

Week

2

Module 1: International Relations of French West Africa in the nineteenth century

2h

Unit 2: France in West Africa in the nineteenth century

2 study hours

•Discuss the reasons for the deputation of French personnel in FWA.
•Analyse the activities geared towards the protection of French interest.
•Identify the challenges faced by French personnel.

Week

3

Module 1: International Relations of French West Africa in the nineteenth century

3h

Unit 3: Faidherbe's Second Governorship in French West Africa

1.5 study hours

•Study Faidherbe's role in protecting French interests in West Africa.
•Analyze the diplomatic strategies employed by Faidherbe.
•Examine the challenges faced during Faidherbe's governorship.

Unit 4: French Policy in Porto Novo

1.5 study hours

•Examine the reasons for French interest in Porto Novo.
•Identify issues in the clash of British and French interest in West Africa.
•Analyse factors that enable French success in Porto Novo.

Week

4

Module 2: Colonial International Relations of French West Africa I

3h

Unit 1: Colonial Economic Policy in French West Africa- The Cotton Example

3 study hours

•Identify the reasons for colonial interest in French West Africa.
•Discuss the policies and methods used in colonial economic policy.
•Analyse the effects and consequences of the policies.

Week

5

Module 2: Colonial International Relations of French West Africa I

3h

Unit 2: France and West Africa after World War II

3 study hours

•Identify France's African Policy after World War II.
•Explain the forms of bilateral cooperation between France and West Africa.
•Discuss issues of France's relations with West Africa.

Week

6

Module 3: Colonial International Relations of French West Africa II

3h

Unit 1: French Capital and Political Economy of French West Africa

3 study hours

•Discuss the effects of French capital in French West Africa.
•Analyse the effects of French capital on Federalism in the region.
•Examine the role of French capital in shaping the political economy.

Week

7

Module 3: Colonial International Relations of French West Africa II

3h

Unit 2: Implication of Urbanisation and Education in French West Africa

3 study hours

•Describe the French education system at the initial stage.
•Discuss the implications of French education system on West African societies.
•Analyse the impact of urbanization on FWA.

Week

8

Module 3: Colonial International Relations of French West Africa II

3h

Unit 3: Development of Political Parties in French West Africa

3 study hours

•Analyse the processes that accounted for the formation of political parties in FWA.
•Discuss the dynamics in the operation of the political parties during the struggle for independence.
•Examine the role of political parties in shaping post-colonial FWA.

Week

9

Module 4: Post Independence International Relations of French West Africa I

3h

Unit 1: Security Issues in French West Africa

3 study hours

•Identify the reasons for France's interest in security issues in FWA.
•Analyse the forms of military intervention during the Cold War.
•Discuss the effects of such intervention on the region.

Week

10

Module 4: Post Independence International Relations of French West Africa I

3h

Unit 2: Uranium Deal in Niger

3 study hours

•Explain the importance of Uranium to France's economy.
•Identify the position of Niger in the Uranium deal.
•Analyse the impact of the Uranium deal on Niger's development.

Week

11

Module 4: Post Independence International Relations of French West Africa I

3h

Unit 3: Formation of Regional Organisations in French West Africa

3 study hours

•Discuss the reasons for changes in the formation of regional organizations.
•Explain the role of France in these changes.
•Analyse the impact of regional organizations on FWA's development.

Week

12

Module 4: Post Independence International Relations of French West Africa I

3h

Unit 4: Origin of CEAO and West African Economy

1.5 study hours

•Analyse the nexus between the existence of CEAO and ECOWAS.
•Identify the paradoxes that could not make CEAO absolutely independent.
•Discuss the impact of CEAO on West African economy.

Unit 5: Franc Zone and CEAO

1.5 study hours

•Identify the role of the Franc Zone in the economy of French West Africa.
•Discuss the reasons for change in CEAO's perception of ECOWAS.
•Analyse the impact of the Franc Zone on CEAO's economic policies.

Week

13

Module 5: Post Independence International Relations of French West Africa II

3h

Unit 1: Origin of La Francophonie (French Commonwealth in West Africa)

1.5 study hours

•Discuss the international perspective to the operation of French Commonwealth.
•Explain Senghor's role in emphasizing French Commonwealth in FWA.
•Identify the impact of French Commonwealth in FWA.

Unit 2: Assimilation, Association and French Commonwealth in West Africa

1.5 study hours

•Discuss the relationship between trade unionism and French commonwealth in French West Africa.
•Analyse the idea of French commonwealth in the developmental activities of French West Africa.
•Examine the role of trade unions in shaping post-colonial FWA.

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 a timeline of key events in the history of French colonialism in West Africa.

2

Develop concept maps linking the policies of assimilation and association to their long-term impacts.

3

Focus on understanding the economic relationships between France and FWA, including trade, aid, and monetary policies.

4

Practice essay questions that require critical analysis of the French Commonwealth and its implications.

5

Review case studies of specific countries in FWA to understand the diverse experiences of the region.

6

Pay close attention to the role of regional organizations and their effectiveness in promoting cooperation and integration.

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