African development – from the past to the present -- offers a unique economic history perspective on Africa's development. Over a period of five weeks, the course covers a logical account of historical events and decisions that have shaped the current political-economical landscape of Sub-Saharan Africa - from the pre-colonial and the colonial era, to the era of liberalisation, modern day Africa and the future prospects of the continent.
African development – from the past to the present
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African development – from the past to the present
Instructor: Ellen Hillbom
6,013 already enrolled
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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.1
(49 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
27 hours to complete
3 weeks at 9 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Appreciate the historical poltical-economical conditions having shaped current day Sub-Saharan Africa.
A primer into approaching economical development from an economical-historical point of departure.
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Assessments
22 assignments
Taught in English
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There are 5 modules in this course
In this introductory module I begin by speaking of my intentions when creating the course as well as the course structure and literature. Next, I explain the key theoretical concepts that I use throughout the course. Finally, I give an overview of how the literature on African history has evolved.
What's included
3 videos3 readings3 assignments
I spend limited time discussing Africa’s long history before colonization. Instead, I have chosen to focus the course on more recent events. Still, I aim to convey a basic understanding of the long-term development of economic systems, state formation, and trade networks.
What's included
3 videos3 readings3 assignments
European colonialism had a profound impact on Africa’s development, but the way it affected people’s lives differed between regions, societies, and groups of people. I this module, I problematize and specify the impact. I also discuss the agency of different European and African interest groups.
What's included
5 videos5 readings5 assignments1 peer review
After the end of World War II, African countries experienced both progress and crisis. This module covers the time from the early independence movements to the effects of the Structural Adjustment Programs. The central theme is the challenge of economic diversification and sectorial change.
What's included
5 videos5 readings5 assignments
Since the 1960s, there has been major socio-economic change in Africa. I organize this change thematically to discuss population growth, urbanization, and regional integration. I then move on to scrutinize the current positive economic and political development. I end with discussing Africa’s changing role in the global economy.
What's included
7 videos6 readings6 assignments1 peer review
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.6 (22 ratings)Offered by
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Erasmus University Rotterdam
University of Copenhagen
University of Cape Town
Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
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