Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - IS 809 G100

Selected Topics - Economic and Social Development of Selected Regions (4)

Sub-Saharan Africa

Class Number: 5613

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the specific development experience of a selected region, taking account of the historical context, of state capacity, development strategies and of the political economy of development - as well as of the particular problems of development across different sectors of the economy, and the outcomes in regard to poverty and levels of well-being.

COURSE DETAILS:

There are a few long-standing meta-narratives about Africa that problematically reduce the complexity and diversity of experiences that run across time and place as if ‘Africa’ could be known as one place, one history, one reality. This course is not designed to provide a new meta-narrative. Rather, it is designed to provide access points for considering multiple, dynamic, open-ended trajectories relevant to contemporary African societies and their possible futures. In Fall 2021, we will use the access points of: global linkages; youth; urbanization; and future forecasts.  Through each of these access points, we will consider how change has been understood in terms of explanatory logics (i.e. what has spurred change) as well as normative judgements of how lives have changed and will change. We will read across academic disciplines as well as incorporate literary fiction, journalism, policy analysis, and other resources.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The learning goals of this course are:

  • To broaden and deepen students’ knowledge of contemporary social, political, economic, cultural, and ecological conditions affecting possibilities for life across different parts of Africa.
  • To enhance students’ understanding and critical analysis of theories of drivers of change in recent histories and contemporary contexts of Africa, and especially those associated with demography and migration, imperialism and neoliberalism, globalized ecological risks, and epistemic and cultural innovation.
  • To critically evaluate Africa’s roles (material and epistemic) in international affairs
  • To consider theories and evaluations of social change from multiple perspectives, and especially African perspectives

Grading

  • In-class participation 20%
  • Issue tracking briefing paper 20%
  • Group book report (written and in-class presentation) 20%
  • Major essay 25%
  • Take-home exam 15%

NOTES:

Students will be required to submit their written assignments to Turnitin.com in order to receive credit for the assignments and for the course.

The School for International Studies strictly enforces the University's policies regarding plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty. Information about these policies can be found at: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/teaching.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The course’s customized set of required readings are available as electronic resources through SFU Library. Students should expect to read between 60 and 90 pages (e.g. 3 journal articles or book chapters) each week.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.