Course Catalogue

African Politics in Global Perspective POLITIC4192

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Social and Political Sciences
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

In this course students will learn key theories and concepts about politics and international relations of, from, and on Africa. The course will include discussions of contemporary issues as well as country case studies from across the continent. It will also include discussions of policy-making from and toward African countries for students interested in applied knowledge.

Timetable

Lecture: One hour per week, for 10 weeks

Seminar: One hour per week, for 10 weeks (x2) per week.

Requirements of Entry

Entry to Honours Politics or International Relations requires a grade point average of 12 (Grade C) over Politics 2A and Politics 2B as a first attempt.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Seminar fulfilment (10%)

Reflective essay: 1500 words (35%)

Final paper (academic or policy options): 2500-3000 words (55%)

Course Aims

The aim of this course is to introduce students to African politics and international relations, offering a critical and historically-informed perspectives to elucidate contemporary challenges and debates both specific to Africa and within the study of politics and IR more broadly. Through engagement with course materials, students will draw together insights on local, national, regional, and international dynamics. Students will develop a critical orientation toward questions of politics and power in and from Africa. More broadly, the course will deepen students' knowledge and understanding of international relations by providing them a grounding in non-western concepts and theories, that can both broaden and deepen their existing knowledge base.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Demonstrate an understanding of key theories and concepts from and used to explain politics and international relations in and on African contexts;

■ Apply key theories and concepts to empirical cases to explain political processes and outcomes in select African countries;

■ Critically assess competing scholarly interpretations of political processes and phenomenon on African contexts.

■ Reflect on if and how these lessons can be applied beyond the African continent.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions