Geography

Postcolonial Africa

Module code: L7040
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework

This module explores key debates surrounding postcolonial political, economic, and socio-cultural dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa. You'll critically examine dominant Western representations of the subcontinent and engage with different, often conflicting, perspectives on postcolonial continuities and transformations.

Topics covered include:

• the character of the postcolonial state and governance
• nationalism and ethnicity
• borders
• the politics of land and natural resources
• urbanization processes
• mobility and new transnational connections between Africa, Europe, and China.

Module learning outcomes

• An understanding of key processes of political, economic and social change in in post-colonial Africa, and divergent explanations derived from contrasting theoretical approaches
• An ability to think critically about, and challenge dominant representations of the sub-continent
• Knowledge of the power relations that shape processes and representations of change