IQS School of Business (AACSB Accredited)
Nexus South Africa
Graduate 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:
Be familiar with the geography of the continent and the location of the main regions and countries
Understand the key developments in African history
Reflect on the legacy of colonialism and the lingering impact of the slave trade
Analyze the various strategies of economic development implemented in the post-colonial era
Understand the role of the United Nations and other international organizations in the continent
Reflect on the causes of poverty, hunger and disease
Understand the past, present and future of the HIV/AIDS crisis
Be familiar with the international political and economic links of African countries, and in particular analyze the growing influence of China
Understand the working of the Apartheid system in South Africa and the process that led to its abolition
Be familiar with the complexities of post-Apartheid society in South Africa
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
"Understanding Contemporary Africa", by April Gordon and Donald Gordon, Lynne Rienner Publishers, 4th ed., 2006
"African History: A Very Short Introduction" by John Parker and Richard Rathbone,John Parker and Richard Rathbone, Oxford University Press, 2007
"A History of Sub-Saharan Africa" by Robert O. Collins and James M. Burns, Cambridge University Press, 2007
Supplementary Readings
Richard Ballard et al., "Globalization, Marginalization and Contemporary Social Movements in South Africa", African Affairs, Oct. 2005, pp 615-634
Elizabeth Stanley, "Evaluating the Truth and Reconciliation Commission", Journal of Modern African Studies, Sept. 2001, pp 525-546
Xolela Mangcu, "The state of race relations in port-apartheid South Africa", in Daniel et al., State of the Nation: South Africa 2003-2004, pp 105-117.
Francis Wilson, "Addressing Poverty and Inequality" in Wilmot James and Linda van de Vijver After the TRC: Reflections on Truth and Reconciliation in South Africa, pp 177-184
Vally, Salim, "From People's Education to Neo-Liberalism in South Africa", Review of African Political Economy, 34:111, 2007, pp. 1-24
Roger Southall, "Introduction: The ANC State, More Dysfunctional than Developmental?" in Buhlungu et al., State of the Nation: South Africa 2007, pp 1-24
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.
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