Transition, Emergence and Development in Africa

Module description

The module is conceived against the background of important debates on the conceptualisation of development in global academic and policy contexts from the post-independence period (1960s) to date. This module is concerned with the notions of ‘emergence’ and ‘transition’ and will pay special attention to African economies that are increasingly cited as having ‘achieved’ some level of prominence in this regard. Students will be encouraged to engage critically with mainstream thought on African experiences as they examine the interaction between theoretical frameworks/debates and empirical realities.

Assessment details

• 1,500 Word Essay (50%)
• 2 Hour Examination (50%)

Educational aims & objectives

This module aims to:

• Advance students’ understanding of the historical dynamics of social and economic development in countries in Africa at various levels of analysis.
• Provide students with detailed understanding of the ‘emerging’ economies in Africa as well as the interaction between the BRIC and economies in Africa.
• Introduce students to a dynamic and novel set of lenses through which to explore African economies, individually and on a regional basis.
• Advance students’ ability to make comparative assessment of development experiences through intra- and inter-regional comparisons.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students will have developed:

• A rich understanding of the variations in experience, socioeconomic profiles, and political systems within the regions and wider continent.
• A detailed awareness of the historical background of a broad range of African economies and an appreciation of the way historical and socio-economic paths shape modern development problems.
• An appreciation of key theories and concepts on development and transition and with an interdisciplinary flavour: political economy, leadership studies and security studies.
• An advanced understanding about approaching case study research and comparative research and have developed skills in how to structure analysis of a single case or small set of cases in order to produce or support social scientific claims.

Teaching pattern

One lecture and seminar per week. 

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.