Course Syllabus
AFR 338-01 Introduction to Africa

IQS School of Business (AACSB Accredited)
Nexus South Africa
Undergraduate Division

Course Description

Most students know very little about Africa and what they know is heavily influenced by media images of war, famine and disease. This course offers a view of contemporary Africa as a fascinating, complex, diverse and emerging continent. It presents a multidisciplinary overview of African history, politics, culture and economy and it identifies the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of Africa in an increasingly globalized world. The course places a particular emphasis on the evolution and transformation of South Africa, its triumph over Apartheid and its current position as a vibrant emerging economy and a diverse multicultural society.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

1. Be familiar with the geography of the continent and the location of the main regions and countries
2. Understand the key developments in African history
3. Reflect on the legacy of colonialism and the lingering impact of the slave trade
4. Analyze the various strategies of economic development implemented in the post-colonial era
5. Understand the role of the United Nations and other international organizations in the continent
6. Reflect on the causes of poverty, hunger and disease
7. Understand the past, present and future of the HIV/AIDS crisis
8. Be familiar with the international political and economic links of African countries, and in particular analyze the growing influence of China
9. Understand the working of the Apartheid system in South Africa and the process that led to its abolition
10. Be familiar with the complexities of post-Apartheid society in South Africa
11. Identify the economic potential of African countries and the opportunities for foreign investors

Course Requirements

The course requires active student participation. Students are expected to read the assigned textbook chapters and articles before every class. Punctual attendance is required. There will be a midterm exam, a final exam and a team project. Each student is required to participate in a minimum of four professional visits.

Teaching Procedures and Methodology

Teaching methods used in this course include lectures, discussions, team assignments, and professional visits. Learning in this course requires the student's constructive participation and active involvement in both class discussions and small group discussions. Small group discussions, in particular, are a key mechanism for facilitating learning from other team members. Thus, it is essential to attend all group activities inside and outside classes. The professional visits will expose the participants to different aspects of the class and will highlight the practical relevance of the concepts learned. The visits will be accompanied by individual or group assignments.

Required Textbook

1. "Understanding Contemporary Africa", by April Gordon and Donald Gordon, Lynne Rienner Publishers, 4th ed., 2006
2. "African History: A Very Short Introduction" by John Parker and Richard Rathbone,John Parker and Richard Rathbone, Oxford University Press, 2007
3. "A History of Sub-Saharan Africa" by Robert O. Collins and James M. Burns, Cambridge University Press, 2007

Components of Final Grade

Midterm exam	20%
Final exam	30%
Team project	25%
Assignments	15%
Class Participation	10%

Grading Scale

93-100%	A
90-92.9%	A-
87-89.9%	B+
83-86.9%	B
80-82.9%	B-
77-79.9%	C+
73-76.9%	C
70-72.9%	C-
67-69.9%	D+
63-66.9%	D
60-62.9%	D-
below 60%	F

Course Outline

Module 1

• Geographical orientation
• A historical overview
• The slave trade
• The legacy of colonialism
• South Africa under Apartheid
• Economic, political and social conditions in post-Apartheid South Africa
• Economic and political links between Africa and the European Union

Module 2

• Nationalism, independence and personal rule
• The role of the military
• The era of State-led development
• The era of economic reforms
• The role of the United Nations, the IMF and the World Bank
• The debate of trade-vs-aid
• The impact of the global economic crisis on Africa
• Regional cooperation and integration schemes
• The African Union (AU) and other pan-African institutions
• Case studies of civil conflict: Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Liberia
• Economic and political links between Africa and the U.S.
• Understanding cultural differences within South Africa
• Midterm Exam

Module 3

• African immigration to Europe
• Understanding cultural differences within Africa
• Democratization and political instability
• The problem of endemic corruption
• Foreign investment in Africa
• Public health and the problem of HIV/AIDS
• The role of the family
• Attitudes toward sex and family planning
• Economic and political links between Africa and Asia
• The growing role played by China

Module 4

• Migration and urbanization
• The educational system
• The role of women in economic development
• The importance of religion
• Moslem minorities and majorities in Africa
• African music
• Psychological and cultural poverty traps
• Economic and political links between Africa and Brazil
• Natural resources and environmental concerns
• Final exam

Schedule of Classes and Professional Visits

The detailed schedule of classes and professional visits for each session is available online at www.forum-nexus.com/schedules

Please note that this course will be offered as a Section 1 class.

Academic Integrity

The Ramon Llull University places a high value on the integrity, good conduct and academic honesty of all students. Students are expected to maintain high standards of academic integrity at all times. Any instance of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, will result in a grade of F for the course.