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POL121Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To African Politics

This course introduces undergraduate students to the theory and practice of African politics, focusing on governance challenges and potential solutions. It explores the origins, nature, and characteristics of African politics, examining the impact of colonialism and the dynamics of nationalist movements. The course also covers internal forces shaping African politics, economic influences, political instability, and Africa's role in international affairs. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of African political systems and their complexities.

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26h

Study Time

13

Weeks

2h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

African PoliticsColonialismNationalismPolitical InstabilityNeo-colonialism

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

Colonialism

2

Nationalism

3

Neo-colonialism

4

Political Instability

5

African Socialism

6

Democracy and Constitutionalism

7

Race and Politics

8

Gender and Politics

9

Africa in International Affairs

Total Topics9 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

Political Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Relations Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Governance Expert

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentInternational OrganizationsNon-Governmental OrganizationsResearch InstitutionsDiplomacy

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Background to African Politics

2h

Unit 1: Nature and Character of African Politics

2 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Nature and Character of African Politics, focusing on the colonial background and post-independence party politics.
•Identify the major features of African politics and the factors contributing to political instability.
•Reflect on the Western system of indirect rule and different leadership styles among African leaders.

Week

2

Module 1: Background to African Politics

2h

Unit 2: Politics in Pre-Colonial Africa

2 study hours

•Study Unit 2: Politics in Pre-Colonial Africa, examining traditional political institutions and their relevance.
•Analyze the impact of colonialism on traditional institutions and their resurgence in modern government.
•Describe the features of a traditional political system and the concept of mixed government.

Week

3

Module 1: Background to African Politics

2h

Unit 3: Origins and Problems of African Politics

2 study hours

•Cover Unit 3: Origins and Problems of African Politics, focusing on the benefits and challenges of colonialism.
•Examine the problems created by colonialism, such as lack of institutionalization and tribalism.
•Relate tribalism to double allegiance in African politics.

Week

4

Module 1: Background to African Politics

2h

Unit 4: Primordial Politics and Conflicts in Africa

2 study hours

•Study Unit 4: Primordial Politics and Conflicts in Africa, focusing on ethnicity and elitism.
•Analyze the causes of primordial conflicts and the negative connotations of primordial terms.
•Reflect on the role of ethnicity in African politics and how to solve the problem of ethnic politics.

Week

5

Module 2: Colonialism and Nationalism

2h

Unit 1: Meaning and Nature of Colonialism

2 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Meaning and Nature of Colonialism, focusing on the origins and objectives of colonialism.
•Explain the economic, political, and military dimensions of colonialism.
•Discuss the relevance of the policy of assimilation in French African Colonies.

Week

6

Module 2: Colonialism and Nationalism

2h

Unit 2: Problems and Legacies of Colonialism

2 study hours

•Study Unit 2: Problems and Legacies of Colonialism, focusing on the political, economic, and socio-cultural legacies.
•Examine the role of colonialism as an imperial ideology.
•Identify the major social-cultural legacies of colonialism.

Week

7

Module 2: Colonialism and Nationalism

2h

Unit 3: Meaning and Nature of Nationalism

2 study hours

•Cover Unit 3: Meaning and Nature of Nationalism, focusing on definitions and classifications.
•Distinguish nationalism in Africa from the European form.
•Identify the factors that influenced the growth of nationalism in Africa.

Week

8

Module 2: Colonialism and Nationalism

2h

Unit 4: Nationalism and Decolonisation Process in Africa

2 study hours

•Study Unit 4: Nationalism and Decolonisation Process in Africa, focusing on the nature and critique of African nationalism.
•Account for the differences in the tempo of nationalism between British and French colonies.
•Analyze the impact of nationalism on the decolonization process.

Week

9

Module 3: Neo-colonialism and African Economy

2h

Unit 1: Meaning and Features of Neo-Colonialism

2 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Meaning and Features of Neo-Colonialism, focusing on the definition and origins of neo-colonialism.
•State the major features of neo-colonialism.
•Evaluate the contributions of Kwame Nkrumah in exposing the dangers of Neo-colonialism to new states in Africa.

Week

10

Module 3: Neo-colonialism and African Economy

2h

Unit 2: Neo-Colonialism- Its Mechanism and Impacts

2 study hours

•Study Unit 2: Neo-Colonialism- Its Mechanism and Impacts, focusing on the mechanisms of neo-colonialism.
•Analyze the impacts of neo-colonialism on political, economic and military aspects.
•Critically examine the role of foreign aid in African politics.

Week

11

Module 3: Neo-colonialism and African Economy

2h

Unit 3: The Political Economy of African States

2 study hours

•Cover Unit 3: The Political Economy of African States, focusing on the concept of African development.
•Explain the role of neo-colonialism in deepening African dependence and underdevelopment.
•What role is the specialization of Africa in primary produce playing in sustaining the continent's neo-colonial status?

Week

12

Module 3: Neo-colonialism and African Economy

2h

Unit 4: The Doctrine and Reality of African Socialism

2 study hours

•Study Unit 4: The Doctrine and Reality of African Socialism, focusing on the concept and tenets of African socialism.
•Differentiate African socialism from orthodox Marxist socialism.
•Evaluate the success of African socialism as a post-colonial ideology.

Week

13

Module 4: Political Instability and Sustainable Democracy in Africa

2h

Unit 1: The Military in African Politics

2 study hours

•Read Unit 1: The Military in African Politics, focusing on the origins and changing roles of the military.
•Explain the reasons for military interventions and the military as a modernization agent.
•Give reasons for military interventions in Africa.

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

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all unit objectives and ensure you can address each one comprehensively.

2

Create concept maps linking key concepts from different modules (e.g., colonialism, nationalism, neo-colonialism).

3

Focus on understanding the different theoretical models explaining political instability and their limitations.

4

Practice essay questions on the impact of colonialism and neo-colonialism on African development.

5

Allocate sufficient time to revise each module, focusing on key terms and concepts.

6

Pay close attention to the historical context of political events and movements in Africa.

7

Familiarize yourself with key figures and their contributions to African political thought.

8

Review all self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked assignments to identify areas for improvement.

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