- Docente: Corrado Tornimbeni
- Credits: 10
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Political, Social and International Sciences (cod. 8853)
Learning outcomes
The course allows students to learn the fundamental issues of the political and social history of contemporary Africa with particular reference to the colonial period, the decolonization paths and the processes of formation and dynamics of independent states. By using an appropriate methodological apparatus, the student will be able to discuss critically the formation of the main political systems of the continent, in particular in their relationship with international politics and with the political and developmental crises of the last decades.
Course contents
This course unit addresses the evolution of African political systems since the last phase of the pre-colonial period and throughout the continent's contemporary history. With particular reference to sub-Saharan Africa, the following themes will be examined:
- The XIX century, the end of the slave trade, the development of international trade, the colonial penetration and the scramble for Africa by the European powers.
- The XX century, the main characteristics of the various colonial administrations and the impact of the colonial domination on African societies.
- The decolonization process in the changing international context after World War II.
- The independences of the African states, the nation-state and the different policies and ideologies of the independent Governments. The debate on the heritage of the colonial State. The crisis of the African State and of the policies of economic development.
- The political and economic reforms during the 1980s and 1990s.
- Democracy, the fight against poverty, and conflicts in post-cold war Africa.
- The challenges of the third millennium.
Some recent and current events will be discussed in specific sections with the involvement of the students.
Readings/Bibliography
Mandatory readings for the final exam for students ATTENDING classes
- A.M. Gentili, Il leone e il cacciatore. Storia dell'Africa subsahariana, Carocci, Roma, Nuova edizione aggiornata 2008
- A.M. Medici, A. Pallotti, M. Zamponi, L'Africa contemporanea, Firenze, Le Monnier-Mondadori, 2017 (Chapters 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
- C. Tornimbeni, Stranieri e autoctoni in Africa sub-sahariana. Potere, Stato e cittadinanza nella storia delle migrazioni, Carocci, Roma, 2010 (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4)
- 1 short text to be chosen on the basis of the themes and articles identified in class with the students.
Mandatory readings for the final exam for students NON-ATTENDING classes
- A.M. Gentili, Il leone e il cacciatore. Storia dell'Africa subsahariana, Carocci, Roma, Nuova edizione aggiornata 2008
- A.M. Medici, A. Pallotti, M. Zamponi, L'Africa contemporanea, Firenze, Le Monnier-Mondadori, 2017 (Chapters 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
- C. Tornimbeni, Stranieri e autoctoni in Africa sub-sahariana. Potere, Stato e cittadinanza nella storia delle migrazioni, Carocci, Roma, 2010
Teaching methods
Lessons and weekly discussions on the issues presented during classes.
Assessment methods
The final exam will be an oral examination. Students will be assessed according to their capacity to demonstrate: to have learnt an appropriate scientific method for the study of the themes of the course unit; to be able to use a critical analysis in addressing the readings provided; to understand and compare the different scientific positions emerging from the programme, the readings and the lessons.
Teaching tools
The use of internet for the study of the history of Africa and its political systems will be introduced at the beginning of the course.
The lessons will be accompanied by slides with geographical maps.
Office hours
See the website of Corrado Tornimbeni