OVERVIEW

The course has a trans-disciplinary perspective, adopting the analytical tools and perspective of disciplines such as history, political science, international relations, sociology and anthropology.

The first half of the course will be devoted to trace a wide overview of the history of Africa in a chronological order, with a particular focus on the periods of colonization, decolonization and post-colonial Africa.

The second half of the course will proceed with a issue-by-issue approach. This part will have a more pronounced theoretical/analytical perspective, looking at the different interpretative paradigms developed to understand the key issues in African politics.

For students of international relations, this course is an opportunity to step outside the usual Euro-centric, or at least Western-centric, compass of international relations and learn to look at the world from a new perspective.

For students who intend to pursue a diplomatic career, work within an international organization or in the field of development and international cooperation, it will be a first approach with a reality that they are likely to meet during their career.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course is aimed at providing students with the analytical tools to understand the African political, social and economic reality with a critical eye, deconstructing the stereotypes and simplified narratives which too often characterize the representation of Africa on mass-media.

Africa has the highest demographic growth in the world. It is a continent of dire challenges and tremendous opportunities. This course will be particularly useful to students who are eager to pursue a diplomatic career, to those who will find themselves working in an international organization or in the field of development cooperation, providing them all the basic notions and the theoretical paradigms to approach the complexity of the African continent.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

One textbook chosen between:

• Alex Thomson, An Introduction to African Politics, Routledge (updated edition). This textbook is suggested for students who like to focus on more theoretical aspect from the perspective of political science/international relations;
• Kevin Shillington, History of Africa, Macmillan International (only chapters 6,7,10,11,16 to 32). This textbook is suggested for students who prefer a historical approach to the study of Africa.

​Suggested readings:

• Frederick Cooper, Africa since 1940: The Past of the Present, Cambridge University Press;
• Valery Mudimbe, The invention of Africa, Indiana University Press- James Currey
• Patrick Chabal / Jean-Pascal Daloz, Africa Works. Disorder as a Political Instrument, Indiana University Press- James Currey
• Jeffrey Herbst, States and Power in Africa, Princeton University Press

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

GIORGIO MUSSO (President)

FEDERICO DONELLI

MARIA ELEONORA GUASCONI (Substitute)

EXAMS

Exam schedule