29729 - African History and Institutions (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be familiar with the major events taking place in Africa during the 19th and 20th centuries and have  developed the ability to approach critically the many “images of Africa” that you can encounter everyday. You will also be able to use the appropriate terminology when discussing Africa-related topics and be familiar with the most important elements of the historiographical debate on Africa.

Course contents

The course begins on 4 April 2016.

MON-TUE-WED, 11-13h, aula I, via Zamboni 33

This course centeres around the theme of the “images of Africa” that we can encounter everyday, especially in the Western media. The aim of the course is to provide the tools to think critically about Africa and to discuss with the appropriate terminology Africa-related topics. The first part of the course will analyse the creation of the ”image of Africa” during the 19th century, in the framework of the slave trade abolition debate, the European "discovery" of Africa and the development of pseudoscientific racism. The second part will focus on two main topics that dominate the debate on contemporary Africa: conflicts and poverty. Through some specific case studies, we will analyse the impact of internal and external factors on African political systems, economic institutions and cultural practices. In the light of the most recent literature on these issues, we will analyse the great divergence in the poltical and economic development of Africa compared to other world regions, especially Asia and Latin America.

Readings/Bibliography

FOR STUDENTS NOT ATTENDING THE CLASSES (6 CFU):
J. Iliffe, Popoli dell'Africa. Storia di un continente, Milano, Mondadori, 2007 [you can read the English original edition]

A. Pallotti, M. Zamponi, L'Africa nella politica internazionale, Mondadori, 2010.
G. Carbone, L'Africa. Gli stati, la politica, i conflitti, il Mulino, Bologna, 2005

STUDENTS ATTENDING THE CLASSES:
See the section "assessment methods"

Teaching methods

The course is formed both by lectures and by the presentation and discussion of readings (journal articles, writings by African intellectuals, historical documents, newspaper articles), that the students will prepare individually or in groups.

Assessment methods

STUDENTS ATTENDING THE COURSE: you will be evaluated on the basis of your participation to discussions and group works.  You  also have to write a paper (ca. 5,000 words) in which you will look at the historical roots of a contemporary African event, starting from the news in the Italian or international press (suggestions about possible topics will be given in class). More specific information on how to write the paper will be given at the beginning of the course.

The final mark will be formed in this way:

- participation to seminars and group works: 50%

- paper: 50%

STUDENTS NOT ATTENDING THE COURSE: you will read all the books assigned (see the "recommended reading" section) and be able to demonstrate that you are familiar with the major events taking place in the recent history of Africa (19th and 20th centuries). You will also be able to discuss specific case studies and connect them to more general historical trends. You will use an appropriate terminology and express your ideas in a coherent and articulate way. 

If you prefer a reading list in English, you can contact prof. Pallaver by email.

Teaching tools

Readings and group discussions; power point presentations

Office hours

See the website of Karin Pallaver