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Lehrende: Dr. Martin Acheampong
Veranstaltungsart:
Seminar
Anzeige im Stundenplan:
VRS1: Africa
Semesterwochenstunden:
2
Credits:
6,0
Unterrichtssprache:
Englisch
Min. | Max. Teilnehmerzahl:
10 | 22
Weitere Informationen:
Verwendbar in folgenden Studiengängen bzw. Modulen:
- M.A. Politikwissenschaft (FSB ab WiSe 2014/15): Modul Vergleichende und Regionalstudien (VRS 1)
- Masterstudiengänge der Fakultät WiSo: Wahlbereich
englische Übersetzung des Lehrveranstaltungstitels:
Kommentare/ Inhalte:
This course is for students with an intellectual and scholarly interest in political developments in Sub-Saharan Africa. It offers an overview of political institutions on the continent, employing a blend of theoretical analysis and empirical case studies to understand their influence on political outcomes. Key questions, such as the strength or weakness of political institutions in Africa and how to contextualize enduring legacies of institutional vulnerability in recent democratic developments, will be addressed. Many scholars argue that Africa is 'institutionless'. This seminar utilizes specific case studies to discuss the extent to which this characterization holds in contemporary African democracies. The course is structured into three parts: the first part explores the modern relevance of informal institutions in the politics of Africa; the second focuses on formal institutions and their constraining capacity on political behaviour in Africa; and the third provides a synthesis of the two debates, emphasizing how formal and informal institutions interact to shape political developments in Africa.
Lernziel:
1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of political developments in Sub-Saharan Africa.
2. Examine the enduring legacies of institutional vulnerability within recent democratic developments in Sub-Saharan Africa.
3. Synthesize debates on formal and informal institutions, focusing on their interaction and impact on political developments in Africa.
4. Develop and enhance presentation skills.
Vorgehen:
The class is designed as an interactive seminar, revolving around specific themes covered by 1-2 required texts per session. Students will read these texts and reinforce their understanding through PowerPoint presentations based on country case studies. A primary application text is assigned. The learning process involves brainstorming sessions and group discussions to cultivate a shared understanding of each theme.
Literatur:
Bratton, Michael, and Nicholas van de Walle. 1997. Democratic Experiments in Africa: Regime Transitions in Comparative Perspective. 1st ed. Cambridge University Press.
Cheeseman, Nic, ed. 2018. Institutions and Democracy in Africa: How the Rules of the Game Shape Political Developments. 1st ed. Cambridge University Press.
Hydén, Göran. 2013. African Politics in Comparative Perspective. Second edition. Cambridge?; New York: Cambridge University Press.
Articles, chapters, and reports for each class period will be accessible through Stine. A comprehensive syllabus with details will be distributed on the first day of the course.
Zusätzliche Hinweise zu Prüfungen:
A) Mandatory course tasks (required to pass):
Close reading of the “required” text(s) per session. Students will actively participate in group/plenary discussions and do one presentation on a country case study. PowerPoint presentations are to be uploaded a day before the lecture.
B) Module examination
Two complementary essays (first part, conceptual and second part, empirical), based on themes and country case studies covered in class.
Total length of both papers: 15 pages
Deadlines: First essay 1 due by midnight 30 June. Second essay due by midnight 30 September 2024.
Place of submission: By e-mail to the lecturer
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