Introductory description

The module offers historical, theoretical and comparative perspectives on the politics of eastern Africa (in particular Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda with some reference to other countries in the region such as Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan). The course addresses 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, and the causes and level of democratisation. Students will 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.

First Term
Week 1: Writing and Researching About Africa
Week 2: The Colonial State
Week 3: Decolonisation and Nationalist Histories
Week 4: Neopatrimonialism and the Post-Colonial State
Week 5: Structural Adjustments and Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers
Week 6: Reading Week
Week 7: Democratisation in East Africa
Week 8: Hybrid Regimes - the case of Rwanda
Week 9: Hybrid Regimes - the case of Kenya
Week 10: Hybrid regimes - the case of Uganda

Second Term
Week 11: Gender Quotas
Week 12: Judges and the Judiciary
Week 13: Civil Society and Political Resistance
Week 14: Social Media and the Public Sphere
Week 15: Ethnicity and Politics
Week 16: Reading Week
Week 17: Religion and Neo-Pentecostalism
Week 18: Climate Change and Energy Politics
Week 19: China in East Africa
Week 20: The War on Terror

Learning outcomes

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

• Understand and apply different theories and concepts to the East African context.
• Develop reading comprehension through a rigorous and critical engagement with core texts.
• Learn to develop arguments using a range of sources, including secondary literature, newspaper articles, and government and non-government reports.
• Develop 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 group working and debating skills through seminar discussions.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

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
Develop your group working skills through seminar discussions
Academic writing
Writing for a non-academic audience