This course explores politics in contemporary sub-Saharan Africa.
While not glossing over the depth and recurrence of crises in Africa,
this course seeks to uncover our commonly-held assumptions and go
beyond simple stereotypes.  During the course, we will try to
understand the complexity, variety and fluidity of African politics.
Topics will include the relevance of “traditional” political systems;
the impact of colonial rule; the challenges of building new nations
and states; the rise of authoritarian regimes; the process of
democratization; the management of ethnic, regional, religious and
class conflict; the political challenges of economic development; the
role of international actors, in particular, the U.S., UN, World Bank
and non-governmental organizations; and the impact of globalization.
The requirements for the course are to do all assigned reading,
participate in class discussion and small group activities, write one
short research paper (8-10 pages), and take one mid-term exam, one
final exam and one map quiz.  The course has no prerequisites so
students are welcomed with any or no previous knowledge of both
political science and Africa.  Not only will students learn more about
Africa, but Africa can teach them about other parts of the developing
world and themselves.  By the end of the course, students will see how
the challenges and problems confronting African societies concern us all.