You may not use any electronic device during class unless I give you explicit permission.
If you ignore this rule, I will: 1) lower your course grade; 2) never write a letter of recommendation for you; 3) be mean to you.
PS346 African Politics
http://jcsites.juniata.edu/faculty/nagengast/courses.htm
TTh 10:30-11:50 GH202 Spring 2017
Emil Nagengast GH316
Office Hours: MWF 2:15-3:00, Tues 12-1and by appointment
COURSE OVERVIEW
In the 1960s there was much hope that the end of colonialism would bring freedom, political stability and economic growth to Africa. Forty years later Sub-Saharan African countries are at the bottom of almost every global development survey. The failure of democratic institutions has become the norm in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this course we will examine some of the factors that help us to explain the political problems that plague Africa. By its very nature, such an undertaking requires that we make general statements about a large number of states. Part of our endeavor, therefore, is to question the validity of generalizations concerning Africa's political and economic problems. Also, we must balance our generalizations with specific country case studies.
EXPECTATIONS
I expect intelligent participation from all students this semester. It is essential that you complete the assigned readings before class and that you come to class prepared to talk about the readings.If you are confused about the material it is your responsibility to ask me for help. If you do not contact me I must assume that the material is clear to you. The format and expectations concerning the paper assignments and the exams will be explained in class. Unless I receive direct authorization from the Dean of Students (because of a death in the family, for example) all students must take all the exams at the scheduled times.
March 30 is the last day you can withdraw from this course.
ADA Statement: The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates accessibility in all aspects of the learning environment. If you have an identified disability and are in need of specific accommodations, please contact Student Services office (Founders) and they will assist you with your needs including the formal notification to all your professors.
Academic Dishonesty Improper use of information found on the internet or elsewhere for your research papers will result in AT LEAST an F on your paper, and most likely an F in the course. If you are not sure about what constitutes plagiarism it is your responsibility to find out (i.e. ask me or refer to the Pathfinder). Plagiarism entails either: illegal collaboration with a classmate (e.g. using someone else’s work as your own); using someone else's words or ideas without providing a citation; OR providing a citation, but "cutting and pasting" from a source without using quotation marks to indicate that you are using someone else's exact words. To avoid plagiarism you must paraphrase the cited information (i.e., put it into your own words). Unless I give explicit permission, you are not allowed to use any notes or any other material during any quiz or exam. You must refer to the Juniata Pathfinder for clarification of the college’s policies concerning academic dishonesty.
GRADING
Quizzes 20%
Midterm Exam 15%
Final Exam 15%
Writing 50%
Writing assignments
Research topic and question 10 points
Annotated bibliography 50 points
Thesis statement/Dominant arguments/Outline 40 points
First Draft 200 points
Abstract 50 points
Second Draft 150 Points
I will adjust your final course grade based on your preparation for class throughout the semester.
TEXTS: (Additional readings and movies will be added during the semester.)
The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born Ayi Kwei Armah
A Man of the People Chinua Achebe
Wars, Guns and Votes Paul Collier
COURSE SCHEDULE WITH REQUIRED READINGS
January 17, 19, 24, 26 Introduction: Internalist vs Externalist Arguments
G.Pascal Zachary “Post-Colonialism” http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/01/post-colonialism-why-the-us-should-help-govern-south-sudan/282815/
Richard Dowden, Chapter 1 “Africa is a night flight away” (P)
Howard French, Chapter 1 “Prehistory” (P)
George Ayittey, Chapter 1 “The Lost Continent” (P)
January 31, February 2, 7, 9, 14, 16 Colonialism and Independence
Walter Rodney, How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, Chapter 6 (P)
Dowden, Chapter 4 “The end of colonialism” (P)
Meredith, The First Dance of Freedom, Chapters 6, 9, 10, 11, 20 (P)
George Ayittey: "The Vampire African State" (P)
Ayi Kwei Armah The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born
February 21, 23, 28 March 2, 14, 16 From OAU to AU
Arnold, Chapter 3, “African Unity and the Formation of the OAU” (P)
OAU Charter Find it online
AU Charter Find it online
2005 ECA Good Governance Report Find it online
Nagengast, “Assessing the African Renaissance” (P)
Mo Ibrahim Index http://www.moibrahimfoundation.org/en/section/the-ibrahim-index
March 21 MIDTERM EXAM
March 23, 28, 30 April 4, 6, 11 The Problems with Elections
Paul Collier Wars, Guns, and Votes
Chinua Achebe A Man of the People
April 13, 18, 25, 27 Nigeria
Tom Burgis The Looting Machine, Chapter 3 (P)
John Campbell Nigeria: Dancing on the Brink, Chapters 1, 2, 3 (P)
May 2 Conclusions
Final Exam: May ___
Writing assignments
Research topic and question Due: January 31
Annotated bibliography Due: February 14
Thesis statement/Dominant arguments/Outline Due: February 28
First Draft Due: March 31
Abstract Due: April 18
Second Draft Due: April 24