78214 - Africa in the international political history

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student: - knows the political history of contemporary Africa - in relation to its international position and the most relevant phenomena of the international political context - with particular reference to the colonial period, decolonization policies and the formation processes and dynamics of independent nation-states and their role in the international context; - will be able to identify and discuss critically the structural and systemic causes of the development crises, the roots, the nature and the dynamics of conflicts both civil and military, and in particular the relationship between security, development, poverty, environmental crises, and consolidation or crisis of political democracy; - acquires the tools and methods for contextualising and arguing on relevant aspects of the cultural, political and social dynamics of African contexts in relation to the wider international scenario.

Course contents

Students are suggested to read the following books:

S. Guarracino, Storia degli ultimi sessant’anni, Mondadori, Milano, 2004

G. Formigoni, Storia della politica internazionale nell'età contemporanea, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2018, cap. VI e VII

Moreover students are requested to attend classes regularly and to be present during the first weeks when all information about the programme will be provided

Course contents

The course discusses the main phases and issues of the contemporary history of Africa since the starting of the colonial domination, in relation to the international context and its main dynamics: colonialism, decolonization, cold war, democratization process. In particular will be presented:

- The XIX century, the end of the slave trade, the development of international commerce, the colonial penetration and the scramble for Africa by the European powers. Periodization of the colonial period and analysis of the impact of the colonial domination on African societies. The colonial administrations;

The decolonization in the new post-war international context. The independences of the African states and the nation-state. The crisis of the African state and of the policies of economic development, the role of structural adjustment programs, the role of democratization processes, and its relations with the broader international dynamics.

Readings/Bibliography

Books for students attending classes:

A.M. Medici, A. Pallotti, M. Zamponi, L’Africa contemporanea, Mondadori Education, Milano 2017 (chapters 19 and 32 excluded)

Books for students not attending classes:

G. Formigoni, Storia della politica internazionale nell'età contemporanea, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2018, cap. VI e VII

A.M. Medici, A. Pallotti, M. Zamponi, L’Africa contemporanea, Mondadori Education, Milano 2017

 

Readings/Bibliography

Bibliographical references are indicated jointly with the syllabus.

Teaching methods

Lessons and discussion with students.

Assessment methods

The final examination will be an oral examination. Students must demonstrate to be able to present and to discuss the topics of the course.

Teaching tools

Transparencies, maps, Italian, international and African press. At the beginning of the course will be illustrated the use of Internet in order to study Africa.

Office hours

See the website of Mario Zamponi