Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - POL 374 E100

Africa in the Global Political Economy (4)

Class Number: 4946

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Considers Africa in the historical development of the modern global political economy, from the transatlantic slave trade to the present. Examines contemporary issues associated with Africa in the neo-liberal world order and the politics of resistance and alternative pathways or models of development.

COURSE DETAILS:

Description:

The course examines Africa in the global political economy. The course considers the making of contemporary Africa, situating the continent in the historical evolution of the global political economy from the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism and decolonization to the present. The course then examines a range of contemporary issues associated with Africa in the global political economy. These include foreign investment, aid, and trade; migration and remittances; Africa–China relations; African agency in the global political economy; political economy of conflict, insecurity, peacemaking and peacebuilding in Africa; the political economy of democratization, ‘good governance’ and human rights; and the political economy of social differentiation in Africa according to nation, race, ethnicity, gender and class. In so doing, the course seeks to provide critical alternative viewpoints to the dominant representations of Africa in the literature in International Relations and International Political Economy.

Course Organization: One lecture/seminar per week.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Assignment 1: Presentation 20%
  • Assignment 2: Research Essay 35%
  • Final Exam (Take Home) 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All required readings are available on Canvas.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.