POLI228

The goal of this course is to provide students with an introduction to contemporary African politics. In addition to current events, we will address foundational issues in African studies including pre- and post-colonial regime types, the African state, political economy, and conflict in Africa. Throughout the course, we will evaluate the ways in which the common legacy of colonialism affects present-day Africa, while examining the diversity of the over 50 countries that share the continent. You will be evaluated and graded based on your knowledge of these foundational issues, individual research on a topic of your choice, and participation in a simulation that will require you to apply what you have learned to a real-world situation relevant to African politics.