DWA 233 African Politics

The purpose of this course is to explore the themes, issues, and trends that shape politics in Africa, across some 50 countries, and affect nearly one billion people. The course will cover broad issues such as: the foundations of contemporary African politics, the characteristics and consequences of leadership in Africa, the politics of identity, and economic and political change in Africa. This course is not designed as a study of individual countries in Africa; it is a theme-based course. Nevertheless, in exploring the themes and trends that dominate politics in Africa, we will learn quite a bit about a variety of countries on the continent. In addition, each student will become an expert on a particular country in Africa.