Admission requirements
N.A.
Description
Africa’s international history and international relations can be understood through the lenses of imperialism, colonialism, and neocolonialism. In the course students analyse how power relations operate globally and locally, how these transform societies and politics and which kind of resistance is put in place. Three key dimensions are examined: (1) Africa in international politics and international politics in Africa; (2) political and social conflicts in Africa; and (3) African movements for peace, social justice, and equal rights.
The course offers a fresh perspective on Africa’s contributions to global sociopolitical change. It begins with a historical overview of Africa’s international history, exploring 19th-century empires, the continent’s role in the World War I and World War II, international organisations, and peace negotiations in recent decades.
The second section investigates the ontologies and ideologies of peace and equality, as articulated by political and religious transnational networks.
The third section focuses on local forms of resistance to inequality and conflict, highlighting how African societies have endured centuries of strife and economic disparity—leaving lasting imprints on their social fabric.
Finally, the course poses a profound question: How have these societies sought to reconcile their differences or sustain their livelihoods in the face of such enduring challenges?
Course objectives
By the end of this course, students will have acquired:
Knowledge
A systematic understanding of Africa’s historical and contemporary political economies, including key theories of growth, development models, and critical issues such as inequality, debt, and foreign investment.
Familiarity with competing narratives about Africa’s role in international relations and globalisation, from colonial legacies to modern debates.
Insight
The ability to critically analyse the structural imbalances between the Global North and South, recognising how (post)colonial dynamics shape economic and political outcomes.
A nuanced perspective on African agency, including local resistance, transnational movements, and strategies for addressing conflict and inequality.
Skills
The capacity to apply theoretical frameworks (e.g., neoliberal critiques, dependency theory) to African case studies.
Enhanced research and analytical skills through comparative assessments of economic policies, development trajectories, and sociopolitical transformations.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Seminar
Assessment method
Assessment
Active Participation/coöperation in class/group
Essay, paper
Abstract, oral presentation.
Weighing
Active Participation/coöperation in class/group 20%
Essay, paper 50%
Abstract, oral presentation. 30%
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average. To pass the course, the weighted average of the partial grades must be 5.5 or higher.
Resit
The resit will consist of rewriting the essay, provided the student has sufficiently passed both the “participation” (20%) and “oral presentation” (30%) components of the course.
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
The reading list will be provided with the syllabus at the beginning of the semester.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Huizinga
Remarks
NA