Course Info: CSI-0229

This course examines the evolution of African economies in the post-independence era and their current position in the global economy. The course begins with a brief overview of Africa in the pre-colonial and colonial period. The topics covered include the search for alternative economic systems in the post-independence period; the economic crisis of the 1970s and 1980s; the impact of structural adjustment policies in the 1990s; debates over the role of the state and governance in the continent's economic development; the resurgence of economic growth in Africa; the relationship between China and Africa; the role of foreign aid, trade, investment and migration; and prospects for the future. Students are required to post reading reflections on all assigned material to the Moodle course website, respond to the posts of their peers in the class, and engage in class discussions. Students also write a 4000-5000 word research paper on a topic of their choice. This work involves several components: developing a research question and writing a research proposal, compiling an annotated bibliography, participating in an in-class peer-review workshop for their first drafts, and then submitting a revised final draft. Over the course of the semester, students are also required to give two presentations – one at the beginning of their research project and the other on their research findings at the end of the semester.