Juniata College



 PS346  African Politics



TTh 10:30-11:50        Good Hall 400                                          Spring 2014

Emil Nagengast   GH316

Office Hours:  M 12-2 WF 12-1 (and by appointment)

COURSE OVERVIEW

In the 1960s there was much hope that the end of colonialism would bring freedom, political stability and economic growth to Africa. Forty years later Sub-Saharan African countries are at the bottom of almost every global development survey. The failure of democratic institutions has become the norm in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this course we will examine some of the factors that help us to explain the political problems that plague Africa. By its very nature, such an undertaking requires that we make general statements about a large number of states. Part of our endeavor, therefore, is to question the validity of generalizations concerning Africa's political and economic problems. Also, we must balance our generalizations with specific country case studies.

EXPECTATIONS

I expect intelligent participation from all students this semester. It is essential that you complete the assigned readings before class and that you come to class prepared to talk about the readings. If you are confused about the material it is your responsibility to ask me for help. If you do not contact me I must assume that the material is clear to you. The format and expectations concerning the paper assignments and the exams will be explained in class.

Unless I receive direct authorization from the Dean of Students (because of a death in the family, for example) all students must take all the exams at the scheduled times.

ADA Statement: The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates accessibility in all aspects of the learning environment. If you have an identified disability and are in need of specific accommodations, please contact Student Services office (Founders) and they will assist you with your needs including the formal notification to all your professors.

Academic Dishonesty

           Improper use of information found on the internet or elsewhere for your research papers will result in AT LEAST an F on your paper,  and most likely an F in the course.  If you are not sure about what constitutes plagiarism it is your responsibility to find out (i.e. ask me or refer to the Pathfinder).   Plagiarism entails either:  illegal collaboration with a classmate (e.g. using someone else’s work as your own);  using someone else's words or ideas without providing a citation;  OR providing a citation,  but "cutting and pasting" from a source without using quotation marks to indicate that you are using someone else's exact words.   To avoid plagiarism you must paraphrase the cited information (i.e., put it into your own words). Please review college policy concerning academic dishonesty in the Pathfinder as well.

GRADING

Quizzes 20%

Midterm Exam 30%

Final Exam 30%

Papers 20% 

TEXTS:   (Additional readings and movies will be added during the semester.) 

The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born   Ayi Kwei Armah

Nigeria: Dancing on the Brink (2013 edition) John Campbell

Wars, Guns and Votes (any edition) Paul Collier 

The Making of Modern South Africa (5th Edition) Nigel Worden

COURSE SCHEDULE WITH REQUIRED READINGS

January 21, 23     Introduction: Internal vs External Arguments

G.Pascal Zachary “Post-Colonialism”

Richard Dowden,  Chapter 1 “Africa is a night flight away” (P)

Howard French, Chapter 1 “Prehistory” (P)

George Ayittey,  Chapter 1 “The Lost Continent” (P)

January 28, 30  February 4, 6, 11, 13, 18  Colonialism and Independence

Dowden, Chapter 4 “The end of colonialism” (P)

Meredith, The First Dance of Freedom, Chapters 6, 9, 10, 11, 20 (P)

George Ayittey: "The Vampire African State" (P)

Ayi Kwei Armah The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born

February 20, 25, 27, March 4 From OAU to AU

Arnold, Chapter 3, “African Unity and the Formation of the OAU” (P)

OAU Charter Find it online

AU Charter Find it online

2005 ECA Good Governance Report  Find it online

Nagengast, “Assessing the African Renaissance” (P)

Mo Ibrahim Index

March 6    MIDTERM EXAM

March 18, 20, 25 The Problems with Elections

Paul Collier Wars, Guns, and Votes

March 27 April 1, 3, 8, 10 Nigeria

John Campbell Nigeria: Dancing on the Brink (2013 edition)

April 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, May 1, 6  South Africa   

The Making of Modern South Africa (5th Edition) Nigel Worden

Foster “After Mandela” Pages 149-177; 412-548 (P)

Final Exam:   May  ___

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