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.
Offered By
African development – from the past to the present
Lund UniversityAbout this Course
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Beginner Level
Approx. 27 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Swedish
What you will 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.
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 27 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Swedish
Offered by
Lund University
Lund University was founded in 1666 and has for a number of years been ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. The University has 47 700 students and 7 500 staff based in Lund, Sweden. Lund University unites tradition with a modern, dynamic, and highly international profile. With eight different faculties and numerous research centres and specialized institutes, Lund is the strongest research university in Sweden and one of Scandinavia's largest institutions for education and research. The university annually attracts a large number of international students and offers a wide range of courses and programmes taught in English.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
3 hours to complete
Introduction
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.
3 hours to complete
3 videos (Total 26 min), 3 readings, 3 quizzes
3 hours to complete
The pre-colonial era
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.
3 hours to complete
3 videos (Total 26 min), 3 readings, 3 quizzes
7 hours to complete
The colonial era
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.
7 hours to complete
5 videos (Total 43 min), 5 readings, 6 quizzes
5 hours to complete
The independence era - booms and busts
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.
5 hours to complete
5 videos (Total 43 min), 5 readings, 5 quizzes
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