Postgraduate Course: Contemporary Debates in Africa (PGSP11470)
Course Outline
| School | School of Social and Political Science |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | Contemporary Debates in Africa aims to allow students to frame and interrogate a range of ongoing debates regarding social, political, and development issues on the African continent. The course builds on and complements theories and skills addressed in Building Blocks in African Studies (PGSP1147) and Research in Africa (PGSP11340). While the course is focused on Africa, we will explore connections to the ways that these topics have developed in other parts of the world. Attention is placed on contemporary topics but the course will also situate these issues in a historic context. We will discuss ways the debates have shifted over time, often in response to international events. Contemporary Debates in Africa is interdisciplinary and encourages students to examine how various disciplines, primarily, anthropology, history, and politics, contribute to a deeper understanding of the weekly topic. |
| Course description |
Contemporary Debates in Africa aims to allow students to frame and interrogate a range of ongoing debates regarding social, political, and development issues on the African continent. The course builds on and complements theories and skills addressed in Building Blocks in African Studies (PGSP1147) and Research in Africa (PGSP11340). While the course is focused on Africa, we will explore connections to the ways that these topics have developed in other parts of the world. Attention is placed on contemporary topics but the course will also situate these issues in a historic context. We will discuss ways the debates have shifted over time, often in response to international events. Contemporary Debates in Africa is interdisciplinary and encourages students to examine how various disciplines, primarily, anthropology, history, and politics, contribute to a deeper understanding of the weekly topic.
The debate topics are intentionally divisive and require the presenter to choose one side of the argument. This is designed to help develop the ability to make an academic argument, a skill necessary for successful essay and dissertation writing. Group discussions and a longer essay will also allow students to explore the other side of the argument and choose the perspective they most agree with.
Each week we will also critically examine who is participating in and driving the debate (academics, policy makers, NGOs, activists, etc.). We will reflect on the various positionalities and how they may impact the arguments and goals. Students are encouraged to engage with credible writings outside of academia to supplement academic literature.
Weekly topics include:
Middle Class in Africa
Celebrity Activism
Conflict Minerals
International Criminal Court
Peacekeeping
BRICs in Africa
Aid and Authoritarianism
Social Media for Change
HIV and Sexuality
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2017/18, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 36 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 20,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
176 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
10% of the overall course mark is based on class participation. This course is designed to be dynamic with all students participating in each session. Attendance is necessary for participation and individuals who miss more than one session can expect a decreased participation mark. A high participation mark will result from active participation in all group discussions and debates, as well as evidence of having completed the assigned readings. A high mark will also represent the student's ability to listen to and respect the opinions of their classmates. «br /»
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20% of the overall course mark is based on the debate presentation and an accompanying one-page summary. Each student will lead one side of the debate on a given week (to be selected during week one). This presentation will last 15-18 minutes and will be followed by a 3-5 minute rebuttal. Presenters may prepare a Powerpoint but it is not necessary. The presenter will also prepare a brief outline of their main points (bullet format consisting of no more than the front of an A4) and key readings (different from the assigned course readings). «br /»
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70% of the overall course mark is based on an essay of 3,000 words. The essay can be on any of the weekly topics EXCEPT the one in which the student led the presentation. Students will critically examine both sides of the debate and present an argument. Essays will be marked using the standard marking form for essays in the School of Social and Political Science. The criterion include: critical/conceptual analysis, strength/cohesion of argument, use of sources/evidence, structure and organisation, breadth and relevance of reading, and clarity of expression/referencing. |
| Feedback |
Students will receive written feedback on their presentation and accompanying outlines within one week of the presentation. This feedback is designed to help students reflect on potential ways to improve their argument and analysis for the final essays. We undertake to return all final essay marks and feedback within 15 working days of submission. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand the background and context of selected contemporary issues in Africa.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how debate topics relate to concepts, theories and critiques within African Studies and Development Studies
- Locate and evaluate relevant literature on the selected issues
- Construct original arguments and critically examine the arguments of others
- Effectively communicate complex ideas and relationships through oral presentations and written assignments
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Reading List
Background readings:
Anderson, D., Cheeseman, N., eds. 2013. Routledge Handbook of African Politics. London: Routledge.
Chabal, P., Daloz, J. P. 1999. Africa works: Disorder as political instrument. Oxford: James Currey.
Cheeseman, N. 2015. Democracy in Africa: Successes, Failures, and the Struggle for Political Reform. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Cooper, F. 2002. Africa Since 1940: The past of the present. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Nugent, P. 2004 [or the second edition, 2012]. Africa since Independence: A comparative history. Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan.
Specific readings will be provided for each topic, including peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and online outlets like academic blogs and government, NGO, and activist reports |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
1. Undertaking and presenting scholarly work
2. Participating in group discussion
3. Making appropriate use of library and IT resources
4. Theoretically and contextually framing potential research questions |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Maggie Dwyer
Tel: (0131 6)51 5076
Email: |
Course secretary | Miss Morag Wilson
Tel: (0131 6)51 5122
Email: |
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