Socio-political analysis of Africa

Teacher(s)

De Leener Philippe;

Language

French

Main themes

All themes of general interest are examined, mainly the questions of ethnicity, conflict internal violence, the relation between the states and civil societies, natural resources management, collective action, social move-ments, democracy and governance, decentralization and external relations

Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Acquaintance with topics and analysis on the socio-political situation of African states

Content

The course aims at developing the capacity to understand what is really at stake in the fields of politics in Africa (understanding the “why that?” but also the “why that this particular way?”. It also aims at getting rid of lots of Westernized preconceptions and prejudices that prevent from properly deciphering the political “machinery” actually at work in Africa.
The course is organizedinto three parts: (1) analyzing so-called “good governance” and democracy in Africa, (2) investigating political frames and dynamics in the light of five crucial analytical keys (individual, collective, norms and rules, power and change addressed from an African angle of view) and (3) practically probing the actual functioning of the political sphere in a selection of African countries (applying concepts and learning in working groups).
Measures taken to prevent or combat the covid-19 pandemic could involve the implementation of other modalities, procedures, methods,  approaches, or contents.

Teaching methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Participatory and active methods will be prioritized from the beginning. Practical student experiences will be particularly valued as far as possible. Professional and first line witnesses could be invited to share their own lived-through experiences closely related to matters addressed during the course (field actors, researchers, activists, …).
Measures taken to prevent or combat the covid-19 pandemic could involve the implementation of other modalities, procedures, methods,  approaches, or contents.

Evaluation methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Written examination. Several reflection questions in close connection with subject matters that have been deepened during the course.
Measures taken to prevent or combat the covid-19 pandemic could involve the implementation of other modalities, procedures, methods,  approaches, or contents.

Other information

It is  advised to have a basic knowledge of subsaharan Africa

Faculty or entity

PSAD