Introductory description

The module would offer historical, theoretical and comparative perspectives on the politics of eastern Africa (and in particular Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda). The course will seek to address some of the ‘big questions’ regarding the nature of the post-colonial state in the region, the relationship between state and society, the political and socio-economic impact of international aid/interventions, the causes and level of democratisation, and political economy of crises such as famine and AIDS. Students should acquire an overview of key themes, but also be able to analyse debates with respect to individual country case studies.

NB: A number of important topics – such as the Rwandan genocide, civil war etc – are not covered to minimise overlap with PO390: Violence and Reconciliation in Eastern Africa.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1. Introduction

2. Nature of the colonial state

3. Colonialism and the invention of tribe

4. One-party states

5. Military coups and regimes

6. Reading week

7. Neo-patrimonialism and personal rule

8. Donors and development

9. Democratisation

10. Liberation movements and their legacies

11. Multi-party politics & the “menu of manipulation”

12. Turnout and voting patterns: Elections as an ethnic census?

13. Corruption

14. Civil society

15. Religion and neo-Pentecostalism

16. Reading week

17. Women in parliament

18. The politics of famine

19. China in East Africa

20. The war on terror

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand and apply different theories to the East African context.
• Develop your reading comprehension through an engagement with core texts
• Develop an argument using a range of sources, including secondary literature, newspaper articles, and government and non-government reports
• Develop your academic writing skills through the preparation of summative assessments
• Develop an ability to write analytically for a non-academic audience through the writing of an opinion piece or blog
• Develop your group working skills through seminar discussions

Indicative reading list

Generic Reading lists can be found in Talis

Subject specific skills

Develop an understanding of East African history and politics.
Be able to apply different theories to the East African context.
Be able to compare within and across countries.
Be able to work with peers in seminars.
Be able to develop an argument and to present in academic and non-academic writing.

Transferable skills

The module provides students with opportunities to acquire or develop the following key skills:

Reading comprehension.
Synthesis of different materials
Critical analysis
Oral presentation
Group working skills
Academic writing
Writing for a non-academic audience