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African Politics
Course Description
This course surveys governmental structure and political processes
in Africa south of the Sahara. Specifically, the course addresses
the capacity of the modern African state to govern. The course addresses
the history of the colonial state and its modern impact on politics,
the question of why states collapse and how to rebuild them, and
the ability of the modern state to accommodate sub-national and
ethnic identities. Along with discussing the pessimistic conclusions
about African politics drawn by many analysts, students consider
successful cases of effective governance in the region, and how
Africans organize to influence policy. Offered in alternate years.
Freshmen admitted with permission of instructor only.
Course Credit
Three hours
Course Professor
Professor Turner