OCAF 2050 - The Political Economy of Sub Saharan Africa

Although Africa is sometimes presented as the next emerging continent, for the time being it still remains marginalised within the globalisation process. How can we explain Africa's economical trajectory since the end of colonisation? Is the current poor situation of African countries due to strictly internal problems or to the continuous interference of foreign actors (governments, international organisations multinationals, NGOs, etc.) in African affairs? What are the consequences of globalisation on the political and economic system of African countries? Is the growing involvement of China in Africa an opportunity for the development of the continent?

This course aims to explain the current political and economic situation in Africa and to analyse the multiple factors of Africa's misdevelopment by studying the complex implication of all kinds of actors involved in Africa's affairs through a multi-disciplinary approach, including political science, economy, history and sociology.

The course aims to think about Africa through its insertion in globalisation and to analyse how this insertion impacts the local political systems, and vice versa, without falling neither into fatalistic afropessimism nor into naïve afrooptimism.

> PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

• Research and analysis
• Critical thinking
• Oral and written communication

None

Each student is required to prepare a factsheet on a country and write (by group of two or three students) a paper on a case study to be defined in discussion with the teacher.

• The paper (6 to 8 pages + annexes) is to be handed in and to be shared to the class on the weekend before the relevant session and be presented to the class through an oral presentation (duration: max. 15 min) with a complete Powerpoint presentation (including maps, charts, diagrams, pictures, videos, etc.) that will focus on the main findings and lessons learned.
• The factsheet (2 pages) will present a summary of the political and economic situation of a country and its recent evolution, as well as a brief presentation of the main issues and stakes.

Several sessions will need to be prepared through a series a readings. The students will provide a short note summarising the key points of the readings as well as possible criticisms or questions. A small cartographical test will be organised.

The evaluation will be based on the paper & presentation (40%), the factsheet (25%), the preparation of the sessions (15%), the cartographical test (10%) and participation (10%).

Feedback will be provided through specific individual Zoom sessions with the teacher

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Online learning activities: 1 hours a week / 12 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 3 hours a week / 36 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 3 hours a week / 36 hours a semester