African development – from the past to the present

Lund University via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/african-development--from-the-past-to-the-present

Introduction

# Course Review: African Development – From the Past to the Present If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Africa's complex development narrative, Coursera's course titled **"African Development – From the Past to the Present"** offers a unique lens through which this intricate subject is explored. Spanning five weeks, this course unravels the historical, political, and economic threads that have woven the contemporary tapestry of Sub-Saharan Africa. ### Course Overview This course is expertly structured to guide learners through significant eras that have transformed Africa, starting from the pre-colonial period and moving through to modern times. The content is not merely historical; it provides valuable insights into how past events shape present scenarios and future possibilities for the continent. The course is designed for anyone with a curiosity about African history and development, eliminating the need for prior knowledge in the subject. Given its comprehensive approach, it is particularly useful for students of economics, political science, and international relations. ### Course Syllabus Breakdown The syllabus is thoughtfully divided into succinct modules: 1. **Introduction**: This introduction sets the stage by outlining the course's intentions and structure. The instructor provides a foundation of key theoretical concepts and reflects on how historical literature about Africa has evolved. This establishes a framework that supports deeper understanding in subsequent modules. 2. **The Pre-Colonial Era**: While there is limited focus on Africa’s distant past, the module offers essential insights into the long-term economic systems, state formation, and trade networks that predate colonization. This understanding helps contextualize later developments. 3. **The Colonial Era**: This module delves into the diverse impacts of European colonialism across different regions and societies. The instructor adeptly problematizes the historical narrative, highlighting the varied experiences of various groups and the agency of both European and African stakeholders during this transformative period. 4. **The Independence Era – Booms and Busts**: Covering the period following World War II, this module examines both advancements and setbacks faced by newly independent African nations. It particularly focuses on economic diversification challenges and the effects of Structural Adjustment Programs, providing a balanced view of the post-colonial landscape. 5. **Africa’s Current Challenges and Opportunities**: Here, the course transitions into contemporary developments, examining major socio-economic changes since the 1960s. The instructor organizes this information thematically, addressing vital topics such as population growth, urbanization, and regional integration. Notably, the discussion also highlights Africa’s emerging role in the global economy and the potential avenues for future growth. ### Recommendations **Who is This Course For?** This course is ideal for anyone seeking a greater understanding of Africa's development—whether you're an academic, a policy-maker, a student, or simply someone with a keen interest in African affairs. The insights provided are invaluable for anyone looking to engage with Africa from an informed perspective. **Pros:** - **Comprehensive Structure**: The progression from historical context to contemporary issues enables learners to grasp the continuity and change within African development. - **Accessible Content**: The course material is presented in an engaging manner that does not assume prior knowledge, making it suitable for a wide audience. - **Expert Insights**: Delivered by knowledgeable instructors, the course benefits from academic rigor and real-world relevance. **Cons:** - **Limited Depth in Some Areas**: Given the vast history of Africa, certain events and themes may be addressed only briefly, which could leave some learners desiring more depth in specific areas. ### Conclusion In conclusion, **"African Development – From the Past to the Present"** is a remarkable course that sheds light on the intricate dynamics of historical and contemporary African development. With its well-structured content and thorough examination of pivotal events, it is an excellent resource for anyone eager to understand the complexities of Sub-Saharan Africa's political and economic landscape. I highly recommend enrolling in this course if you aspire to enhance your understanding of African development issues or wish to engage more critically with the continent's future prospects. The knowledge garnered here will not only inform your perspective but also empower you to contribute meaningfully to discussions surrounding Africa's development trajectory.

Syllabus

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.

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.

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.

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.

Africa’s current challenges and opportunities

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.